Oculographic assessment of workload influence on flight performance

Area of Science:

• Aviation Psychology and Human Factors
• Neuroscience and Vision Science
• Aerospace Engineering and Pilot Performance

Background:

• Understanding pilot visual information intake is crucial for flight safety.
• Eye movements play a key role in how pilots perceive and process visual stimuli during flight operations.
• Previous research has explored visual scanning patterns, but specific parameters under varying workloads require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate specific parameters of visual information intake in pilots during operational tasks.
• To analyze the role of eye movements in the reception of visual stimuli.
• To evaluate the practical implications of oculographic research for pilot training and performance.

Main Methods:

• Oculographic testing was employed to record eye movements.
• Pilots performed professional assignments on a MIG-23 flight simulator.
• Tasks were designed to vary in workload to assess visual intake under different conditions.

Main Results:

• Specific parameters of visual information intake were identified and quantified.
• The study demonstrated a correlation between workload and eye movement patterns.
• Oculographic data provided insights into how pilots scan and process visual information during flight simulation.

Conclusions:

• Oculographic research offers valuable insights into pilot visual perception and information processing.
• Understanding eye movement patterns can inform the development of more effective pilot training programs.
• The findings have practical implications for enhancing flight safety and operational efficiency.