Cockpit Display of Traffic Information: The Effects of Traffic Load, Dimensionality, and Vertical Profile Orientation

Eighteen certified flight instructors from the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation participated in an experiment exploring the design of the Cockpit Display of Traffic Information for free flight. Pilots flew a sequence of flight scenarios to compare the effects of traffic load, dimensionality, and orientation of the vertical profile view on a coplanar display on maneuver frequency, safety, and maneuver efficiency. Climbs and descents were found to be more frequent than other maneuvers. Climbs were specifically more common with the 2D coplanar displays while descents were more common with the 3D display. Both the rear-view and 3D displays were safer in terms of predicted conflict avoidance than was the side-view display. Climbing maneuvers were more safely implemented with the rear-view and 3D displays than with the side-view display. Altitude maintenance of lateral/vertical maneuvers was best with the side-view, then the rear-view, and then poorest with the 3D display. Airspeed efficiency of airspeed maneuvers was best with the rear-view display. Subjective workload was found to be highest with the 3D display, significantly lower with the side-view display, and lowest with the rear-view display. Collectively, these findings suggest that a rear-view coplanar CDTI may be preferable to either a side-view coplanar or 3D display.