Pilot Reactions to Attacks on Avionic Systems

Theoretical Attacks Versus Operational Reality

While academic researchers have demonstrated technical exploits against ADS-B, ACARS, and in-flight entertainment systems, assessing real-world safety impacts requires evaluating human pilot reactions.

Flight Simulator Study with Commercial Pilots

Researchers conducted controlled experiments using certified commercial flight simulators and thirty type-rated airline pilots to observe responses to unexpected instrument deceptions.

Ghost Targets and False Collision Alerts

Injecting counterfeit traffic alerts tested whether flight crews could identify spurious collision warnings or if deceptive displays compelled pilots to initiate evasive maneuvers.

Landing Guidance Manipulation and Recovery

Simulated spoofing of approach guidance evaluated how flight crews detect deceptive localizer and glide path signals during critical descent phases, emphasizing pilot training and cockpit cross-checks.