New cockpit technology: How do we really know it benefits the pilot?

The authors discuss research studies on how a pilot might take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by glass cockpits with computer-generated display formats. The hand tracker of joystick coupled with proximity aiding was found to be most effective continuous controller for the task of designating multiple targets on a 3-D perspective map display. The voice system, while taking somewhat longer than the continuous controllers with proximity aiding, also appears to have significant potential as a control mechanism is glass cockpits, especially when the pilot cannot take his hands off the stick and throttle. It is concluded that multifunctional displays, coupled with innovative control technology such as hand trackers and voice, have the potential of significantly helping pilots efficiently designate targets and maintain adequate attribute awareness. However, this technology by itself is no panacea; in fact, if not implemented in an intelligent manner, it could become a detriment to the pilot