You wrote to Vince and I:
>You are making the assumption that the funding agencies are targeting
>the line pilots in their research. Having been a government scientist
>for 17 years, I think that assumption is incorrect in most cases. Much
>of the research that is accomplished which is applicable to your needs
>is 'boot-legged' from other programs by researchers who are listening to
>you. You have to first sell the people with the purse strings on the
>idea that they should do research on flight operations, then worry about
>the nature of that research.
I did not mean to offend, but it is our perception so much of the excellent
research available never reaches the line pilot. So much of what is available
at places like Ohio State have never reach the average line pilot, whom I
represent. I wish it were not the case. So much research is available that
would improve the pilots' mental model in HF, but they are mostly unaware of
the material.
What do you mean research is bootlegged by others who are listening to us?
So much of the dialogue from the beginning years ago has broken down. Not
entirely, but I remember a time when the relationship was much closer than
today.We have rarely been asked what we think as representatives of the
national pilot group what research is important. The risk research at
Nasa/Ames is a good example of talking to the customer. Mr. Tom Houle
participated in that dialogue some time ago, and helped shaped the research
based on line pilot needs.
I do not know why we have to sell the people with the purse strings that some
research should be conducted. We think they should be asking us, the user,
what we need. Most companies these days are totally customer-oriented. They
are manical about finding out what the customer wants. This does not always
happen in the HF world.
A short list of what we do need is more of the wonderful work
Nasa/Ames/Langely is doing in automation. We also need more work on the issue
of Captaincy. Dr. Keith Hendy raised the issue of Captaincy, and we agree. We
need more research into attention allocation.
I do not mean to offend. This is a great dialogue. I admire the 17 years of
work you have contributed. We just need to find ways to make sure it is
delivered to the customer. Look forward to hearing from you.
John Halliday