Human Factors and Ergonomics

Abstract

In an effort to reduce the number of runway incursions, sets of airport surface markings were developed. The markings, designed by a diverse team including human factors engineers, paint contractors, airport operators, pilots. And experts in airport marking standards are intended to make it easier for pilots to see the runway while taxiing. The goal was to create a set of individual elements that acted as a whole, rather than a series of unrelated parts. In this article, we discuss the design processes that lead to the development of these airport markings, which may soon be in use at large airports around the country.

Keywords: Runway safety, airport markings

The article aims to develop a model that provides an ideal design and evaluation that can be used for long-term use. The primary goal is to reduce runway incursions by enhancing taxiway surface markings. The authors aimed to improve the painted airport surface markings. The reason for using paint over other objects (lightings, avionics, etc.) is that, paint is cheap, simple and used universally at airports around the country. The methodology used by the design multidisciplinary team is driven by design goals, human factors concern and a mentality of including everyone at the start rather than everyone at the end. The objectives of the design were: eye height, conspicuity; conveys directionality; provide preview information; increase awareness; intuitive, usable, and explicit; unique at a global level, compatibility with current markings and pressure essential elements of current marking. The design process started by reviewing the previous work done in improving the surface markings and the good ideas were incorporated. The design began by making two groups, first, combination of MITRE employees and human factors consultants and second was FAA officials, airline pilots, air traffic controllers, airports operators and maintainers and airport contractors. The former focused on design ideas and then evaluated them from a usability perspective, and the latter applied their experience and explained ideas that are easy to implement. The teams developed 20 concepts at MITRE’s lab, out of these 5 were selected. Then thirty-six pilots (general aviation and transport pilots) participated in series of structured simulation evaluation.  The results of the design process are:

1. The modified centerline: it provided continuous warning to the pilots that they are approaching the runway, therefore increasing runway awareness.
2. Surface painted holding position signs: placement of the signs on both side of the taxiway/runway intersections abled both pilot and co-pilot to detect the sign 20 feet sooner than before. Red color increased the runway awareness.
3.  The modified runway hold line: the horizontal size of the runway line was increased and painted white, that helped in creating a larger visual target and helped in providing better guidance to the pilot.

Critique:

The idea of creating individual elements that acted as a whole gave some surprising results, like the surface painted holding signs gave an indication of an approaching runway environment at 236 feet, and the modified centerline provided an indication of an approaching runway environment at 248 feet, it would seem that the combination of the two should still produce at best a detection distance of 248 feet. The ease of operation and alignment of the plane on the runway was improved. The researchers have fulfilled the objectives of study. However, there were some limitations in the article, firstly, researchers used only painted surface markings to reduce the number of runway incursions. Other signal systems that glow and buzz, like electric displays, avionics, signs and lights are more effective especially during the night. Secondly, the initial design process was satisfactory but the method of selection for the final design hasn’t been mentioned. Thirdly, the article only discusses about three modified markings. The authors haven’t taken into consideration other important markings like, information signs, runway distance remaining signs, destination signs, directions signs and location signs. All these markings are equally useful for improving the taxiing of the airplane. Lastly, the limitations due to the fog and rain are not discussed. Both of these conditions limit the visibility of the runway and incorporation of fog lights and reflectors should be used on the markings for better landing.