The instructor assistant system (iASSYST) - utilizing eye tracking for commercial aviation training purposes

Area of Science:

• Aviation training and human factors
• Human-computer interaction
• Eye tracking technology

Background:

• Flight instructors face multitasking challenges, potentially missing crucial pilot performance data.
• Effective pilot debriefing relies on accurate observation and error identification.
• Existing training systems may not fully capture instructor or pilot behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of an eye tracking enhanced observation system for commercial aviation flight instructors.
• To develop and evaluate the instructor ASsistant SYSTem (iASSYST) for supporting flight training.
• To determine if iASSYST improves instructor observation accuracy and error analysis.

Main Methods:

• Development of the instructor ASsistant SYSTem (iASSYST) integrating video, audio, simulator, and eye tracking data.
• User study involving 7 commercial aviation flight instructors evaluating the iASSYST.
• Analysis of instructor performance in observing, identifying, and classifying pilot errors with and without iASSYST.

Main Results:

• Instructors using iASSYST demonstrated improved ability to support observations, identify new errors, and correct previous misidentifications.
• The system facilitated reclassification of pilot errors based on enhanced observational data.
• Instructors confirmed eye tracking's utility in pinpointing the root causes of pilot errors.

Conclusions:

• The eye tracking enhanced instructor assistant system (iASSYST) significantly supports flight instructors' observational capabilities.
• iASSYST enhances the accuracy of pilot error identification and classification, leading to more effective debriefings.
• This technology offers a valuable tool for improving pilot performance and flight training outcomes.