Evaluation of Flight Director Elements-Rising Runway, Expanded Localizer, and Rollout Steering-During Simulated Category III-C Manual and Split-Axis Landings

摘要

A total of 19 commercial airline pilots flew a total of 684 ILS approaches through rollout without visual cues in a fixed base research simulation of a Boeing 707-720B (STIR). Results indicated that both longitudinal and lateral plane performance deteriorated when the expanded localizer operated. With the expanded localizer off, the rising runway improved full manual touchdown performance when it came into view at 200 feet of wheel height (47% successful). Pitch manual split-axis landings were best when the rising runway came into view at 100 feet (66% successful). Vertical plane manual performance was excellent through 50 feet of altitude, but the flare caused problems. Data are presented to show why the flare computation was not compatible with the human pilot, and the need for improved flare computation for human pilot use is discussed. Roll manual split-axis touchdowns were 73% successful; manual lateral control was not tight enough to consistently land the simulator on the runway. Autopilot roll axis control to touchdown was the major determinant of rollout success. Following roll automatic touchdowns, the runway steering command slightly improved rollout performance whereas the expanded localizer had little effect. Pilots reported that they would not attempt a Category III landing without a rollout steering command. It was found that the pilots did little in the simulator during the first six seconds to rollout to correct a lateral problem that would cause the simulator to depart the runway; spoiler extension and thrust reversing distracted the pilots from accurate steering control. (Author)