DB,
We do not have another thread for the HMI issues and so we should not shrug it aside so quickly. Without moving off the fence with respect to the very interesting discussion that you have been having with HC (clearly the context should have been set out at the start); his point on the radios were with respect to the fact that they were set up by the OEM for their own mode of operations (single pilot and not offshore - where the PM makes all selections).
That's an important but minor point so here is another probably more important one:
Below are two 'approved' implementations of the 'predicted altitude function' of the autopilot. Examine these examples and imagine 'the eye positions', 'the hand positions' and 'the amount of distraction' in completing the operation.
- Go to the Display Control Panel (DCP – on the central panel), select the ALTP position on the rotary switch, pull and turn the central adjustment knob whilst watching the digital indicator on the PFD (above the altimeter); once the correct number has been selected, go to the Mode Selector Panel (MSP – on the instrument panel) and press the soft-key with ALTP under it; check on the MSP screen (a) that it is armed; and (b) that this is reflected in the Mode Selection Annunciator (MSA) on the PFD.
- Go to the Flight Control Panel (FCP – on the instrument panel immediately below the FND) find and use the ALT.A knob to select the altitude on the PFD whilst watching the digital indicator and, when correct, push it to select whilst monitoring the indication on the MSA (all the time the eyes are on the FND after locating the correct knob on the FCP).
The second implementation doesn't escape without criticism however because, on the FCP the 'IAS' is on the
left of the row of controls but on the FMA, it is on the
right. A classic example of poor 'mapping' as described in Don Norman's book - 'The Design of Everyday Things'.
Jim