Comparison of Programmable Legend Keyboard and Dedicated Keyboard for Control of the Flight Management Computer

A study is described which compares two types of input devices used to operate a flight management computer: a programmable legend (multifunction) keyboard and a conventional (dedicated) keyboard. Pilot performance measures, subjective responses, and a timeline analysis were used in evaluating the two keyboard concepts. A discussion of the factors to be considered in the implementation of a multifunction keyboard is included.