The Art of Helicopter EICAS Design

The effectiveness of helicopter electronic Engine Indications and Crew Alerting Systems (EICAS) can be improved by applying display techniques rooted in human factors principles. These display techniques were developed to rapidly communicate systems information so that "head inside the cockpit" time could be minimized for safety. These design principles are not new, but as the EICAS design community has changed over the last 30 years, recognition of these proven techniques is extremely relevant. As the industry moves towards more "display-by-exception" presentations, also known as 'black cockpit" designs, certain indications are only present when there is a problem. In these designs it is especially important that the presentation be intuitive as the pilot may no longer be familiar with the behavior of the indication since it is only presented in an abnormal situation. The presentation must be intuitive at a glance.