Instrument approach procedure (IAP) charts can be densely packed with information. This high information density can make information difficult to find, particularly in a poorly lit cockpit during turbulence. The Volpe Center's Cockpit Human Factors Program conducted a series of evaLuations to format IAP chart information to more closely conform to the way pilots actually use the information. All of this work has contributed to the evolution of the VoLpe prototype lAP chart format. The prototype's major design features are the briefing strip and iconic missed approach procedure instructions. The briefing strip consists of three rows of tabularized information at the top of the chart. This feature is designed primarily for use in preparing for the approach. Each information eLement is given in the order in which it will be used. The piLot no longer has to search through the entire chart to assemble this data. In the profile view, the 'up and out' portion of the missed approach instructions is depicted in icons rather than text. This critical information is more easily located than if it were embedded in text. The objective of this study was to determine if the prototype IAP chart format would allow pilots to find information faster and more accurately during actual flight. Ten licensed piLots rated for instrument flight participated as subjects in this experiment. Each of the approaches were depicted in two chart formats: National Ocean Service (NOS) and the VoLpe prototype. Pilots took advantage of the prototype's briefing strip to search for information to answer questions.
