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This study investigates the relationship of pilot inceptor workload (PIW) with the workload buildup flight test technique (WBFTT) with various conditions of pilot workload, for objective aircraft handling qualities (HQ) evaluation. HQ evaluation of a piloted aircraft remains an elusive area of flight testing, due to the existing subjective evaluation technique for the pilot workload. The pilot control inceptor being an important interface for a pilot with the aircraft, it is the best tool to estimate pilot workload. The statistical model of this research involved 3 independent variables, namely aircraft flying qualities, secondary task, and boundary effect of WBFTT, each differently affecting the pilot workload. Two studies were undertaken on a fixed-base, variable-stability HQ research flight simulator with military test pilots. In-flight study of pilot inceptor movement was undertaken in an advanced jet trainer aircraft during high pilot-gain air-to-ground target tracking tasks. The results of simulator studies validated the relationships of PIW and WBFTT with statistical significance from a wide set of data, with variations in pilot workload in terms of flying qualities and secondary task. The in-flight studies validated the effects of high pilot gain and proximity to ground (boundary), on the pilot inceptor movements, in training combat maneuvers. Studies manifested PIW as a simple and direct measure to estimate pilot workload and WBFTT as an effective technique for HQ stress testing with high pilot gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ship-based rotorcraft are often required to operate in turbulent, unsteady flow fields. The interaction of the rotor and rotor wake with the turbulent airwake can cause uncommanded aircraft motion and high pilot workload. This paper presents a simulation-based handling qualities assessment of a robust adaptive gust compensating control law for rotorcraft. The control law is designed to improve command tracking and disturbance rejection when operating in an airwake. Details of the simulation implementation and experimental setup are presented. Piloted simulation evaluations were performed by three active-duty, experimental test pilots. Handling quality ratings and pilot activity were analyzed. Results indicate the controller's ability to reduce pilot input activity and improve handling qualities ratings by two points on average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of claims that the European Aviation Safety Agency’s flight and duty- time regulations pose a threat to safety, pilot workload and fatigue were assessed on two short-haul routes using a mixed-methods approach. Data produced by the US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Crew Status Survey (CSS) showed that pilots rarely assessed workload and fatigue to be high-risk. Data produced by an ethnographic study somewhat contradicted the CSS findings, with some pilots claiming to be fatigued. The combined data suggested a correlation between both workload and fatigue and aviation system dynamics such as airspace manoeuvring restrictions, especially in the vicinity of busy airports. The research presented an opportunity to test claims made for the CSS, specifically that it is ‘easily understood, easy to administer and minimally intrusive’. Missing forms and errors suggest that it is not as reliable a research instrument as proponents suggest, although contextual factors may have served to reduce the volume and quality of data. It is concluded that a pre-survey, systems-thinking-informed evaluation of the host airline would suggest ways of improving buy-in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This type of activity or work with high stress level and requires more concentration and attention, in this case is the aircraft operation. Thereby mental workload is the most dominant than the physical workload. And this is what should have been a concern, because if mental workload endured by pilot is excessive, it will lower down the quality of work and lead to work safety; in this case the aircraft operation. Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) method is used to measure mental workload value, this method consists of three dimensions with their levels, there are: time, mental effort, and psychological stress load. The aim of this study was to know the mental workload of the pilot of an aircraft in flight dimensions: phases of time, phase of flight, terrain condition, and weather, and identifies what factors the most dominant for build of mental workload. The results of studies showed that pilot mental workload will increase when a pilot faced with flight conditions do at early morning (00.00-05:59 am), during weekend and enters the peak season period, and the aircraft will be landing procedures, and also in case of change of wind conditions in flight, and will increasingly when pilot exposed to aircraft operating with route condition which has a land surface is mountainious. This study also showed that the time dimension factor (T) significantly affects the mental workload of pilots, indicating that they put more emphasis on this factor when they are considering workloads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Task complexity is regarded as an essential metric that is related to a pilot's performance and workload. Normally, pilots follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during a flight. In this study, we developed a measurement named Task Complexity in Flight (TCIF) to represent the task complexity in the SOPs. METHODS: TheTCIF measurement combined four complexity components into one index: actions logic complexity (ALC), actions size complexity (ASC), information control exchange complexity (ICEC), and control mode complexity (CMC).To verify the measurement, we calculated 11 tasks during the takeoff and landing phases from the SOPs, and invited 10 pilots to perform the same tasks in a flight simulator. After flight, the TCIF results were compared with two workload measurements: the Bedford scale and heart rate. RESULTS: The results of TCIF and the 4 components of the 11 tasks were calculated. Further, the TCIF results showed a significant correlation with the Bedford scores (R = 0.851) and were also consistent with the difference in heart rate (R = 0.816). Therefore, with the increased TCIF results, both the Bedford scale and the difference in heart rate increased. DISCUSSION: TCIF was proposed based on the flight operating conditions. Although additional studies ofTCIF are necessary, the results of this study suggest this measurement could effectively indicate task complexity in flight, and could also be used to guide pilot training and task allocation on the flight deck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For years, paper-based navigation aids have been an integral part of safely operating an aircraft. While these tools have served their purpose well, the technology to replace them with a more productive and efficient device may have arrived. Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) have quickly become popular for both commercial and private use. This study analyzed the effect EFBs have on pilot performance in a single pilot environment by evaluating the performance of instrument rated pilots at a large southeastern flight school. The participants (N=14) were asked to complete two instrument approaches in a flight training device. One approach was executed using an Apple iPad® equipped with ForeFlight™ software (the EFB), while paper charts were utilized during the other approach. Deviations in altitude, heading, airspeed, and localizer course from instrument pilot practical test standards were recorded, as was the time taken for each participant to configure the approach. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine if a difference existed between the two methods. The results showed a statistically significant increase in every analyzed performance metric when using the EFB. A survey of participants' perceived workload during the approaches was also conducted, which revealed participants felt using the EFB decreased their workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a rule by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the scheduling of pilots on commercial passenger airlines to prevent pilot fatigue.