Human Factors in Aviation

Running head : SYNTHETIC VISION SYSTEMS

Aviation Aid : Synthetic Vision Systems

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Aviation Aid : Synthetic Vision Systems

Pilots have always been faced by the sky in various situations Although an aircraft has the best ever pilot to man it , the sky can turn fate upside down with its disastrous elements such as storms . During weather disturbances , flights can be disastrous due to limited visibility for pilots . This factor is known to be the greatest contributor in fatal airline and aviation crashes

(NASA . Thus , the fate of an aircraft does not really depend on the pilot but to the sky it traverses . Nevertheless , this fact can now be challenged by a new technology in aviation which is synthetic vision system

One would ask what these systems are made of and how can it help change the future of aviation . A synthetic vision system is usually made up of databases , image generator and a display . It mimics the natural environment around and beneath the flying aircraft thus offering an eye for the blindness that the vehicle possesses (Jennings ,

. 1 . The synthetic vision systems have a variety of advantages to modern aviation . It reduces the risk of accidents and other unexpected on flight problems that account for the low visibility of pilots in aircrafts . The capability of an aircraft to see in all directions in the midst of storms and other untoward events increases the effectiveness and safety of operations (Jennings ,

. 1 . It is thus very useful and practical to employ on general aviation and airline flights . Moreover it provides the pilot better situational awareness and improved navigational guide (Hansen . Although synthetic vision systems have a variety of advantages , it also has its own setbacks . The databases these systems use may be outdated through time and may lead to disaster since the terrains are already built in storage computers . Furthermore , pilots born to this type of technology may not actually understand the basics of aviation and so , when these systems malfunction in midflight , the aircrafts would be history since these systems make new pilots dependent on them that they forget how to steer the aircraft manually . Thus , it is important that in utilization of these systems , aviation schools should still retain basics of flying

References

Hansen , A .J , Rybacki , R .M Smith , W .G . MetaVR , Inc . Synthetic Vision in the Cockpit : 3D Systems for General Aviation . Retrieved July 4 , 2008 from HYPERLINK "http /www .metavr .com /technology /s /syntheticvision .html http /www .metavr .com /technology /s /syntheticvision .html

NASA Feature . Synthetic Vision will Give Pilots Clear Sky All the Time Retrieved July 4 , 2008 , from HYPERLINK "http /www .nasa .gov /centers /langley /news /factsheets /SynthVision .html http /www .nasa .gov /centers /langley /news /factsheets /SynthVision .html

Jennings , C , Alter , K .W , Barrows , A .K , Bernier , K Guell J Synthetic Vision as an Integrated Element of an Enhanced Vision System Retrieved July 4 , 2008 , from HYPERLINK "http /www .ascension-tech .com /applications /pdf /Aerosense02 .pdf www...