Pilot Equipment Interface

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Article Information
Category:	Level Bust
Content source:	SKYbrary
Content control:	EUROCONTROL

Contents 1 Description 2 Typical Scenarios 3 Contributory Factors 4 Solutions 5 Further Reading

Description

Level busts are often the result of break-down of the pilot-equipment interface; that is to say, the correct handling or interpretation of aircraft equipment by the pilot. There are usually two elements to this:

• The pilot makes an incorrect setting or performs an inappropriate action on the equipment; and,

• The error is not noticed or not corrected by other flight-crew members.

Typical Scenarios

• Altimeter Setting Procedures. The pilots set an incorrect or inappropriate pressure setting on the altimeter barometric sub-scale;

• Use of the Altitude Alerter. The pilots inadvertently select the wrong altitude or flight level on the altitude alerter;

• Use of the Autopilot.
  • The pilot enters an incorrect target altitude on the Flight Guidance System and fails to confirm the entered target on the Primary Flight Display and/or the Navigation Display;
  • The pilot inadvertently arms a selected mode or selects an incorrect mode;
  • The pilots become pre-occupied with the automatic systems resulting in loss of situational awareness;

See also Level Bust and Aircraft Technical Equipment.

Contributory Factors

• Pilot Workload;
• Complacency;
• Interruption or Distraction;
• Emergency or Abnormal Situation.

Solutions

• The existence and application of effective Standard Operating Procedures covering cross-checking and monitoring procedures.
• Improved Crew Resource Management in order to ensure that any error made in setting or operating aircraft equipment is corrected before being implemented.

Further Reading

EUROCONTROL Level Bust Toolkit

• Level Bust Briefing Note Ops 4 - Aircraft Technical Equipment;
• Level Bust Briefing Note Ops 5 - ACAS.