An Ergonomic Design for the Flying Control Position of HMAS Melbourne.

Abstract

Ergonomic deficiencies of the Flying Control Position ('Flyco') of HMAS Melbourne were studied. External downwards vision was found to be inadequate for proper supervision. The operators' seating support and seating posture were poor and unsuitable for use for long duty periods. The desk space was not large enough for writing and reference materials. The instrument panel was unnecessarily cluttered and ergonomically disorganized. Reflections in the windows at night seriously degraded the operator's ability to see external events. A practical rearrangement was devised and refined with the aid of a full-size timber mock-up. A raised floor and revised desk shape will place the operator's eyes in a more advantageous position for external vision. The desk provides additional clear space also. The revised panel layout exhibits instrument grouping for function and sequence. Some of the existing equipment has been incorporated into those panels, and some has been relocated in less prominent locations. The rearranged cabin layout and the use of instrument hoods are expected to reduce the number of unwanted reflections in the windows. As well as reducing workload and delaying fatigue, the revised design is expected to be effective in enhancing the supervision and decision-making capabilities of the Flyco staff. It is expected that operational effectiveness and flying safety will benefit from such improvements. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA097193

Entities

People

  • K. W. Anderson

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Traffic
  • Aircrafts
  • Communication Channels
  • Communication Equipment
  • Communication Systems
  • Control Panels
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Flight Decks
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Instrument Panels
  • Intercommunication Systems
  • Light Sources
  • Materials
  • Operational Effectiveness
  • Reflection
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Workload

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Educational Psychology
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.

Technology Areas

  • Space