An optimal approach to auditory display design for commercial aircraft
would utilize both spatialized (3-D) audio techniques and active nois
e cancellation for safer operations. Results from several aircraft sim
ulator studies conducted at NASA Ames Research Center are reviewed, in
cluding Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) warnings,
spoken orientation ''beacons'' for gate identification and collision a
voidance on the ground, and hardware for improved speech intelligibili
ty. The implications of hearing loss among pilots is also considered.