Project Title:

A Prototype Flight-Management-System Error Monitor

92-1-03.09-1457                                                   NAS01-19898
A Prototype Flight-Management-System Error
     Monitor
Search Technology, Inc.
4725 Peachtree Corners Circle, Suite 200
Norcross, GA  30092
Ronald L. Small                                      (404-441-1457)

Abstract:

     An error monitor (EM) to help pilots reduce or eliminate the
consequences of flight management system (FMS) errors will be
developed. This FMS error monitor is based on a human-centered
approach to the problem of pilot FMS programming errors. Rather
than attempt to redesign the FMS to completely eliminate errors
(an impossible task), a human-centered approach focuses on
reducing or eliminating the consequences of errors. A prototype
FMS error monitor will be developed to demonstrate the feasibility
of this new approach to pilot error. Error monitoring will be used
to prevent the consequences of realistic FMS programming errors by
alerting the pilot (or observer). This initial prototype EM only
considers a small subset of pilot errors, but proves the
feasibility of the approach for future, more fully developed
systems. NASA and the commercial aircraft industry will benefit by
having an extensible error monitor design which can indicate all
types of pilot errors. This project will also develop a
demonstrable prototype that can be modified for full-mission,
piloted simulation evaluations in Phase II. Phase III will evalu-
ate the EM in flight test.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A family of human-system error
monitors could be applied in aviation and other industries (space,
nuclear power, etc.) to prevent catastrophes and improve
operational efficiencies.

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