An Evaluation of the C-17A Forward Loadmaster Station Interface.

C-17 Human Factors conducted an evaluation of the C-17A Forward Loadmaster Station FLS Interface in the Loadmaster Simulator at Altus AFB, OK from 28 July to 1 August 1996. By executing five training scenarios containing malfunctions, ten airdrop certified loadmasters provided information on the quality of the Station interface through rating panels, annunciators and switches on six point scales of adequacy and through responding to questions involving Situation Awareness SA. Although the loadmasters generally viewed their interaction with the FLS as adequate, a repeated measures analysis on a composite of ratings and SA supported the contention that as the number and complexity of task elements increased, the ability of the FLS to aid the loadmaster in performance of the mission decreased. A follow-on ranking procedure of the average ratings demonstrated that the FLS did not give clear and full information for all phases of airdrop. Uncertainty was the primary factor contributing to a potential, serious diminishment of the loadmasters capacity to respond in anomalous situations. Suggestions for improvements included decluttering of displays and simplication of switch actuation sequences.