A Methodology for Evaluating the Operational Suitability of Air Transport Flight Deck System Enhancements

Human factors concerns involving the design and certification of today's transport flight decks are not limited to new aircraft design. Technologies that were not available to the original manufacturer are now becoming operationally essential for the continued use of “classic” aircraft. While the workload considerations listed in FAR Part 25, Appedix D, are still relevant and must be covered in any certification, the application of modern human factors has considerably expanded their measurement and evaluation.

This paper details the Orlady-Barnes Process, a methodology which the authors have used effectively during after-market product design and certification activities. It is based upon the proven elements of the Pilot Subjective Evaluation (PSE) but with modifications designed to address specific operational concerns. Use of the Modified PSE (or MPSE) as the key element in a total evaluation process is described.