NTL-AVIATION-AVIATION ; NTL-AVIATION-Aviation Human Factors ; NTL-AVIATION-Air Traffic Control ;

This report presents the findings of a short-term empirical study on human factors issues related to the selection of symbology for fly-over and fly-by waypoints on aeronautical charts. At issue were the international standards for the depiction of these symbols. The symbols in use by the United States (US) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are currently in conflict. Results of this study were required for the ICAO Obstacle Clearance Panel (OCP), which planned to resolve this conflict at a June 2000 meeting in Madrid. Because fly-over waypoints are often used to ensure obstruction clearance, it is critical for safety of flight that the symbols are unambiguous and salient to pilots.

Volpe