A STUDY OF PILOT ABILITY TO FLY HOLDING PATTERNS UTILIZING VARIOUS NAVIGATIONAL TECHNIQUES

Pilot ability to fly holding patterns utilizing various navigational techniques and readouts including use of pictorial displays was determined. The terminal area approach and the holding pattern were emphasized as part of a program also involving en route and high-altitude utilization of pictorial displays. The investigation provided information based on the pilots ability to use pictorial displays as compared to the pilots ability to use standard navigation panel displays. The tests were conducted using commissioned ground facilities for approaches to terminal areas employing normal ground-to-air-toground controllerpilot communications, including clearances to reporting fixes, holding fixes, and airport approaches. The results, based on recordings obtained using an ANMSQ-1 tracking radar, indicate no significant difference between a pilots ability to navigate in an approach area using a pictorial display, and his ability to navigate using standard panel instruments, dual VOR and VORDME techniques. Author