Long-Range Operations in the Glass Cockpit: Vigilance, Boredom, and Sleepless Nights

Abstract

The introduction of the two-person glass cockpit to long-haul flight operations raises some critical concerns about flight safety. While the pilot is further removed from the operation of his airplane, his role as the primary decisionmaker is more apparent. Man alone can provide the judgment, flexibility, and originality to solve problems and act decisively. While advanced automation can help by providing sophisticated data on aircraft status, it may also increase boredom and reduce alertness. This is especially likely during long-haul flights where research has documented considerable sleep loss and degraded alertness in less automated three-crew aircraft. While anomaly detection software may offset the resultant loss in monitoring by the crew, the uniquely human qualities associated with successful decisionmaking and problem solving may be severely compromised. As cruise range is extended well beyond present limits strategies must be developed to manage crew alertness. One approach may be to capitalize on the powerful computer systems and color displays already onboard.