New technological developments, such as data glasses, promise to fill the gap with innovative user interaction interfaces. In aviation, data glasses are believed to have the potential to make operations more safe and efficient. Others put data glasses in the so called through of disillusionment. What is the true benefit of this evolving display technology?

In the light general aviation most flights are operated under visual flight rules (VFR). These private pilots only fly at good weather. For a safe flight the view “out the window” is crucial for maintaining a high level of situation awareness. The pilot has to focus on objects and other aircrafts in the surrounding while being confronted with continuously changing, complex information from head-down instruments. Situations with high level of workload are prone for error.

Data glasses are suitable because the present the information directly into the field of view. They also come at a cheap cost, are retrofittable, and attach easily to a trend of mobile devices (ubiquitous computing). From this practical perspective use cases are developed and possible human factors problems are identified.  It is still a long way to go but it might result in a future where the dream of a  flying car is feasible.