CHAPTER 5. ELECTRONIC DISPLAY INFORMATION ELEMENTS AND FEATURES
5.1 Display Information Elements and Features.
This chapter provides guidance for the display of information elements including text, labels, symbols, graphics, and other depictions (such as schematics) in isolation and in combination. It covers the design and format of these information elements within a given display area. Chapter 6 of this AC covers the integration of information across several display areas in the flight deck, including guidance on flight deck information location, display arrangement, windowing, redundancy management, and failure management.
5.2 General.
5.2.1 The following list provides objectives for each display information element, in accordance with its intended function:
5.2.1.1 Each flight, navigation, and powerplant instrument for use by the flightcrew must be plainly visible from each pilot’s crew station with the minimum practicable deviation from this normal position and line of vision when looking forward along the flight path (§ 25.1321(a)).
5.2.1.2 The displayed information should be easily and clearly discernible, and have enough visual contrast for the pilot to see and interpret it. Overall, the display should allow the pilot to identify and discriminate the information without eyestrain. See paragraph 3.2.4 of this AC for additional guidance regarding contrast ratio.
5.2.1.3 For all display configurations, all foreseeable conditions relative to lighting should be considered. Foreseeable lighting considerations should include failure modes such as lighting and power system failure, the full range of flight deck lighting and display system lighting options, and the operational environment (for example, day and night operations). If a visual indicator is provided to indicate a malfunction of an instrument, it must be effective under all foreseeable lighting conditions (§ 25.1321(e)).
5.2.1.4 Information elements (text, symbol, etc.) should be large enough for the pilot to see and interpret in all foreseeable conditions relative to the operating environment and from the flightcrew station (see related regulation). If two or more pilots need to view the information, the information elements should also be discernible and interpretable over these viewing distances.
5.2.1.5 The pilots should have a clear, unobstructed, and undistorted view of the displayed information.
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5.2.1.6 Information elements should be distinct and permit the pilots to immediately recognize the source of the information elements when there are multiple sources of the same kind of information. For example, if there are multiple sources for vertical guidance information, then each informational element should be distinct so the flightcrew can immediately recognize the source of the vertical guidance.
5.2.2 Factors to consider when designing and evaluating the viewability and readability of the displayed information include (1) position of displayed information, (2) vibrations,
(3) visual angles, and (4) readability of displayed information.
5.2.2.1 Position of Displayed Information.
Distance from the design eye position (DEP) is generally used. If crossflight deck viewing of the information is needed, distance from the offside DEP, accounting for normal head movement, should be used. For displays not mounted on the front panel, the distance determination should include any expected movement away from the DEP by the flightcrew.
5.2.2.2 Vibrations.
Readability should be maintained in adverse conditions, such as vibration.
One possible cause of vibration is sustained engine imbalance. AC 25-24, Sustained Engine Imbalance, provides readability guidance for that condition.
5.2.2.3 Visual Angles.
Account for both the position of the displayed information as well as font height. SAE ARP4102/7, Electronic Displays, provides additional information on this subject.
5.2.2.4 Readability of Display Information.
The Illuminating Engineering Society classifies three main parameters that affect readability—luminance, size, and contrast. Size is the combination of font size and distance from the display.
5.3 Consistency.
Display information should be presented so it is consistent with the flight deck design philosophy in terms of symbology, location, control, behavior, size, shape, color, labels, dynamics, and alerts. Consistency also applies to the representation of information on multiple displays on the same flight deck. Display information representing the same thing on more than one display on the same flight deck should be consistent. Acronyms and labels should be used consistently, and messages/annunciations should contain text in a consistent way. Inconsistencies should be evaluated to ensure that they are not susceptible to confusion or errors, and do not adversely impact the intended function of the system(s) involved.
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5.4 Display Information Elements.
5.4.1 Text should be shown to be distinct and meaningful for the information presented.
Messages should convey the meaning intended. Abbreviations and acronyms should be clear and consistent with established standards. For example, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) document 8400, Procedures for Air Navigation Services ICAO Abbreviations and Codes, provides internationally recognized standard abbreviations and airport identifiers.
5.4.2 Regardless of the font type, size, color, and background, text should be readable in all foreseeable lighting and operating conditions from the flightcrew station (§ 25.1321(a)).
General guidelines for text are as follows:
5.4.2.1 Standard grammatical use of upper and lower case letters is recommended for lengthy documentation and lengthy messages. Using this format is also helpful when the structure of the text is in sentence form.
5.4.2.2 The use of only upper case letters for text labels is acceptable.
5.4.2.3 Avoid contractions, such as “can’t” instead of “cannot.”
5.4.2.4 Break lines of text only at spaces or other natural delimiters.
5.4.2.5 Avoid abbreviations and acronyms where practical.
5.4.2.6 SAE ARP4102/7 provides guidelines on font sizes that are generally acceptable.
5.4.3 The choice of font also affects readability. The following guidelines apply:
5.4.3.1 To facilitate readability, the font chosen should be compatible with the display technology. For example, serif fonts may become distorted on some low pixel resolution displays. However, on displays where serif fonts have been found acceptable, they have been found to be useful for depicting full sentences or larger text strings.
5.4.3.2 Sans serif fonts (for example, Futura or Helvetica) are recommended for displays viewed under extreme lighting conditions.
5.5 Labels.
Labels may be text or icons. The following paragraphs provide guidance on labeling items such as knobs, buttons, symbols, and menus. This guidance applies to labels that are on a display, label a display, or label a display control. Section 25.1555(a) requires that each flight deck control, other than controls whose function is obvious, must be plainly marked as to its function and method of operation. Controls whose functions are not obvious should be marked or identified so that a flightcrew member with little or no 5-3
familiarity with the airplane is able to rapidly, accurately, and consistently identify their functions.
5.5.1 Text and icons should be shown to be distinct and meaningful for the function(s) they label. Standard or non-ambiguous symbols, abbreviations, and nomenclature should be used. For example, in order to be distinct from barometric altitude, any displayed altitude that is geometrically derived should be labeled “GSL.”
5.5.2 If a control performs more than one function the labels should include all intended functions, unless the function of the control is obvious. Labels of graphical controls accessed via a cursor control device should be included on the graphical display.
5.5.3 The following are guidelines and recommendations for labels:
5.5.3.1 Data fields should be uniquely identified either with the unit of measurement or a descriptive label. However, some basic “T” instruments have been found to be acceptable without units of measurement.
5.5.3.2 Labels should be consistent with related labels located elsewhere in the flight deck.
5.5.3.3 When a control or indication occurs in multiple places (for example, a “Return” control on multiple pages of a flight management function), the label should be consistent across all occurrences.
5.5.4 Labels should be placed such that—
5.5.4.1 The spatial relationships between labels and the objects they reference are clear;
5.5.4.2 Labels for display controls are on or adjacent to the controls they identify;
5.5.4.3 Labels for display controls are not obstructed by the associated controls;
5.5.4.4 Labels are oriented to facilitate readability—for example, the labels continuously maintain an upright orientation or align with an associated symbol such as a runway or airway; and
5.5.4.5 On multi-function displays, a label should be used to indicate the active function(s), unless its function is obvious. When the function is no longer active or being displayed, the label should be removed unless another means of showing availability of that function is used. For example, graying out an inactive menu button.
5.5.5 When using icons instead of text labels, only brief exposure to the icon should be needed in order for the flightcrew to determine the function and method of operation of a control. The use of icons should not cause flightcrew confusion.
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5.6 Symbols.
5.6.1 Electronic display symbol appearance and dynamics should be designed to enhance flightcrew comprehension and retention, and minimize flightcrew workload and errors in accordance with the intended function. The following list provides guidance for symbol appearance and dynamics:
5.6.1.1 Symbols should be positioned with sufficient accuracy to avoid interpretation errors or significantly increase interpretation time.
5.6.1.2 Each symbol used should be identifiable and distinguishable from other related symbols.
5.6.1.3 The shape, dynamics, and other symbol characteristics representing the same function on more than one display on the same flight deck should be consistent.
5.6.1.4 Symbol modifiers used to convey multiple levels of information should follow depiction rules clearly stated by the applicant. Symbol modifiers are changes to easily recognized baseline symbols such as colors, fill, and borders.
5.6.1.5 Symbols that represent physical objects (for example, navigational aids and traffic) should not be misleading as to the object’s physical characteristics (including position, size, envelope, and orientation).
5.6.2 Within the flight deck, avoid using the same symbol for different purposes, unless it can be shown that there is no potential for misinterpretation errors or increases in flightcrew training times.
5.6.3 It is recommended that standardized symbols be used. The symbols in the following SAE documents have been found to be acceptable for compliance to the regulations:
• SAE ARP4102/7, Electronic Displays, appendices A through C (for primary flight, navigation, and powerplant displays).
• SAE ARP5289A, Electronic Aeronautical Symbols (for depiction of navigation symbology).
• SAE ARP5288, Transport Category Airplane Head Up Display (HUD) Systems (for HUD symbology).
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5.7 Indications.
5.7.1 General.
Paragraphs 5.7.2 through 5.7.4 provide guidance on numeric readouts, gauges, scales, dials, tapes, and graphical depictions such as schematics. Graphics related to interactivity are discussed in paragraph 5.10 of this chapter and chapter 7 of this AC.
Graphics and display indications should—
5.7.1.1 Be readily understood and compatible with other graphics and indications in the flight deck,
5.7.1.2 Be identifiable and readily distinguishable, and
5.7.1.3 Follow the guidance for viewability presented in paragraphs 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 of this chapter.
5.7.2 Numeric Readouts.
Numeric readouts include displays that emulate rotating drum readouts where the numbers scroll, as well as displays where the digit locations stay fixed.
5.7.2.1 Data accuracy of the numeric readout should be sufficient for the intended function and to avoid inappropriate flightcrew response. The number of significant digits should be appropriate to the data accuracy. Leading zeroes should not be displayed unless convention dictates otherwise (for example, heading and track). As the digits change or scroll, there should not be any confusing motion effects such that the apparent motion does not match the actual trend.
5.7.2.2 When a numeric readout is not associated with any scale, tape, or pointer, it may be difficult for pilots to determine the margin relative to targets or limits, or compare between numeric parameters. A scale, dial, or tape may be needed to accomplish the intended flightcrew task.
5.7.2.3 For North, numeric readouts of heading should indicate 360, as opposed to
000.
5.7.3 Scales, Dials, and Tapes.
Scales, dials, and tapes with fixed and/or moving pointers have been shown to effectively improve flightcrew interpretation of numeric data.
5.7.3.1 The displayed range should be sufficient to perform the intended function.
If the entire operational range is not shown at any given time, the transition to the other portions of the range should not be distracting or confusing.
5.7.3.2 Scale resolution should be sufficient to perform the intended task. Scales may be used without an associated numeric readout if alone they provide 5-6
sufficient accuracy for the intended function. When numeric readouts are used in conjunction with scales, they should be located close enough to the scale to ensure proper association, yet not detract from the interpretation of the graphic or the readout.
5.7.3.3 Delimiters, such as tick marks, should allow rapid interpretation without adding unnecessary clutter. Markings and labels should be positioned such that their meaning is clear yet they do not hinder interpretation. Pointers and indexes should not obscure the scales or delimiters such that they can no longer be interpreted. Pointers and indexes should be positioned with sufficient accuracy for their intended function. Accuracy includes effects due to data resolution, latency, graphical positioning, etc.
5.7.4 Other Graphical Depictions.
Depictions include schematics, synoptics, and other graphics such as attitude indications, moving maps, and vertical situation displays.
5.7.4.1 To avoid visual clutter, graphic elements should be included only if they add useful information content, reduce flightcrew access or interpretation time, or decrease the probability of interpretation error.
5.7.4.2 To the extent it is practical and necessary, the graphic orientation and the flightcrew’s frame of reference should be correlated. For example, left indications should be on the left side of the graphic, and higher altitudes should be shown above lower altitudes.
5.7.4.3 If there are multiple depictions, such as “thumbnail” or overlayed depictions, the orientation (for example, heading up, track up, North up, etc.) should be the same for each depiction. This does not apply to other systems where the captain and first officer may select different presentations of the same information and are used exclusively by that flightcrew member.
5.7.4.4 Graphics that include three-dimensional effects, such as raised buttons or the airplane flight path in a perspective view, should ensure that the symbol elements used to achieve these effects will not be incorrectly interpreted.
5.8 Color Coding.
5.8.1 If color is used for coding, at least one other distinctive coding parameter should be used (for example, size, shape, location, etc.). Normal aging of the eye can reduce the ability to sharply focus on red objects, or discriminate blue from green. For pilots with such a deficiency, display interpretation workload may be unacceptably increased unless symbology is coded in more dimensions than color alone. However, the use of 5-7
color alone for coding information has been shown to be acceptable in some cases, such as weather radar and terrain depiction on the lateral view of the navigation display.
5.8.2 To ensure correct information transfer, the consistent use and standardization of color is highly desirable. In order to avoid confusion or an interpretation error, there should not be a change in how the color is perceived over all foreseeable conditions. Colors used for one purpose in one information set should not be used for an incompatible purpose that could create a misunderstanding within another information set. In particular, consistent use and standardization for red and amber or yellow, in accordance with § 25.1322, is required to retain the effectiveness of flightcrew alerts. A common application is the progression from green to amber to red, representing increasing degrees of threat, potential hazard, safety criticality, or need for flightcrew awareness or response. Inconsistencies in the use of color should be evaluated to ensure that they are not susceptible to confusion or errors, and do not adversely impact the intended function of the system(s) involved.
5.8.3 If color is used for coding, it is considered good practice to use six colors or less for coding parameters. Each coded color should have sufficient chrominance separation so it is identifiable and distinguishable in all foreseeable lighting and operating conditions and when used with other colors. Colors should be identifiable and distinguishable across the range of information element size, shape, and movement. The colors available for coding from an electronic display system should be carefully selected to maximize their chrominance separation. Color combinations that are similar in luminance should be avoided (for example, navy blue on black or yellow on white).
5.8.4 Other graphic depictions such as terrain maps and synthetic vision presentations may use more than six colors and use color blending techniques to represent colors in the outside world or to emphasize terrain features. These displays are often presented as background imagery and the colors used in the displays should not interfere with the flightcrew interpretation of overlaid information parameters as addressed in paragraph 5.8.5 of this chapter.
5.8.5 Table 5-1 depicts previously accepted color coding and the functional meaning associated with each color. The use of these colors is recommended for electronic display systems with color displays.
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Table 5-1. Recommended Colors for Certain Functions Feature Color Warnings Red Flight envelope and system limits, Red or Yellow/Amber as appropriate exceedances (see above) Cautions, non-normal sources Yellow/Amber Scales, dials, tapes, and associated White1 information elements Earth Tan/Brown Sky Blue/Cyan Engaged modes/normal conditions Green Instrument landing system deviation pointer Magenta Divisor lines, units, and labels for inactive Light gray soft buttons 1 Use of the color green for tape elements (for example, airspeed and altitude) has also been found acceptable if the color green does not adversely affect flightcrew alerting.
5.8.6 Table 5-2 depicts display features that should be allocated a color from either Color Set 1 or Color Set 2.
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Table 5-2. Specified Colors for Certain Display Features Display Feature Color Set 1 Color Set 2 Fixed reference symbols White Yellow1 Current data, values White Green Armed modes White Cyan Selected data, values Green Cyan Selected heading Magenta2 Cyan Active route/flight plan Magenta White 1 Use of the color yellow for functions other than flightcrew alerting should be limited and should not adversely affect flightcrew alerting.
2 In Color Set 1, magenta is intended to be associated with those analog parameters that constitute “fly to” or “keep centered” type information.
5.8.7 The following color pairs should be avoided:
• Saturated red and blue.
• Saturated red and green.
• Saturated blue and green.
• Saturated yellow and green.
• Yellow on purple.
• Yellow on green.
• Yellow on white.
• Magenta on green.
• Magenta on black (although this may be acceptable for lower criticality items).
• Green on white.
• Blue on black.
• Red on black.
Note: For further information on this subject, see FAA Report No. DOT/FAA/CT 03/05 HF-STD-001, Human Factors Design Standard (HFDS): For Acquisition of Commercial Off-the-Shelf Subsystems, Non-Developmental Items, and Developmental Systems.
5.8.8 When background color is used (for example, gray), it should not impair the use of the overlaid information elements. Labels, display-based controls, menus, symbols, and graphics should all remain identifiable and distinguishable. The use of background color 5-10
should conform to the overall flight deck philosophies for color usage and information management. If texturing is used to create a background, it should not result in loss of readability of the symbols overlaid on it, nor should it increase visual clutter or pilot information access time. Transparency is a means of seeing a background information element through a foreground one; the use of transparency should be minimized because it may increase pilot interpretation time or errors.
5.8.9 Requiring the flightcrew to discriminate between shades of the same color for distinct meaning is not recommended. The use of pure blue should not be used for important information because it has low luminance on many display technologies (for example, CRT and LCD).
5.8.10 Any foreseeable change in symbol size should ensure correct color interpretation. For example, the symbol needs to be sufficiently large so the pilot can interpret the correct color.
5.9 Dynamic (Graphic) Information Elements on a Display.
The following paragraphs cover the motion of graphic information elements on a display, such as the indices on a tape display. Graphic objects that translate or rotate should do so smoothly without distracting or objectionable jitter, jerkiness, or ratcheting effects. Data update rates for information elements used in direct airplane or powerplant manual control tasks (such as attitude, engine parameters, etc.) equal to or greater than 15 Hertz have been found to be acceptable. Any lag introduced by the display system should be consistent with the airplane control task associated with that parameter. In particular, display system lag (including the sensor) for attitude that does not exceed a first order equivalent time constant of 100 milliseconds for airplanes with conventional control system response is generally acceptable.
5.9.1 Movement of display information elements should not blur, shimmer, or produce unintended dynamic effects such that the image becomes distracting or difficult to interpret. Filtering or coasting of data intended to smooth the motion of display elements should not introduce significant positioning errors or create system lag that makes it difficult to perform the intended task.
5.9.2 When a symbol reaches the limit of its allowed range of motion, the symbol should either slide from view, change visual characteristics, or be self-evident that further deflection is impossible.
5.9.3 Dynamic information should not appreciably change shape or color as it moves. Objects that change sizes (for example, as the map range changes) should not cause confusion as to their meaning and should remain consistent throughout their size range. At all sizes the objects should meet the guidance of this chapter as applicable (that is, the objects should be discernible, legible, identifiable, placed accurately, not distracting, etc.).
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5.10 Sharing Information on a Display.
There are three primary methods of sharing information on a given display. First, the information may be overlayed or combined, such as when traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) information is overlayed on a map display. Second, the information can be time shared so that the pilot toggles between functions, one at a time. Third, the information may be displayed in separate physical areas or windows that are concurrently displayed. Regardless of the method of information sharing, care should be taken to ensure that information that is out prioritized, but is needed, can be recovered, and that it will not be needed more quickly than it can be recovered.
5.10.1 Overlays and Combined Information Elements.
5.10.1.1 When information is graphically overlaid over other information (for example, an airplane symbol over a waypoint symbol) in the same location on a display, the loss of information availability, information access times, and potential for confusion should be minimized.
5.10.1.2 When information obscures other information it should be shown that the obscured information is either not needed when it is obscured or can be rapidly recovered. Needed information should not be obscured. This may be accomplished by protecting certain areas of the display.
5.10.1.3 If information is integrated with other information on a display, the projection, placement accuracy, directional orientation, and display data ranges should all be consistent (for example, when traffic or weather is integrated with navigation information). When information elements temporarily obscure other information (for example, pop-up menus or windows), the resultant loss of information should not cause a hazard in accordance with the obscured information’s intended function.
5.10.1.4 Time Sharing.
5.10.1.4.1 For guidance on full-time vs. part-time displays, see paragraph 6.3.3 of this AC.
5.10.1.4.2 Any information that should or must be continuously monitored by the flightcrew should be displayed at all times (for example, attitude).
5.10.1.4.3 Whether or not information may be time shared depends on how easily it can be retrieved in normal, non-normal, and emergency operations.
Information for a given performance monitoring task may be time shared if the method of switching back and forth does not jeopardize the performance monitoring task.
5.10.1.4.4 Generally, system information, planning, and other information not necessary for the pilot tasks can be time shared.
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