An update to the Human Factors Design Standard, (HFDS, orig. 1996) has recently been issued by the FAA and may be of interest to some here.
This regulation prohibits the FMC
3.1.3 Automate only to improve performance. Functions shall be automated only if they improve system performance without reducing human involvement, situation awareness, or human performance in carrying out the intended task. [Source: Billings, 1991]
3.1.7 Ensure active user involvement in operation. Users shall be given an active role through relevant and meaningful tasks in the operation of a system regardless of the level of automation being employed. [Source: AHCI, 1998; Billings, 1991]
Discussion. User awareness of system state cannot be sustained passively. Active involvement is essential for operators to exercise their responsibilities and be able to respond to emergencies. Reducing active involvement may be detrimental to the user’s understanding of important information, may lead to longer response times in case of emergencies, or, in the long term, may lead to loss of relevant knowledge or skills. [Source: Galster, Duley, Masalonis, & Parasuraman, 2001; Garland & Hopkin, 1994; Hopkin, 1988; Sarter & Woods, 1992 (as found in Scerbo, 1996); Wickens, 1992 (as found in Scerbo, 1996)]