The subjective perception of workload in low-time private pilots: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Aviation Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering
• Pilot Performance Studies

Background:

• Pilot workload is a critical factor in aviation safety, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
• Understanding and predicting pilot performance failure is essential for developing effective safety interventions.
• Previous research indicates a link between high workload and decreased pilot performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between pilot workload and performance failure in simulated adverse weather conditions.
• To assess the effectiveness of the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) in measuring pilot workload.
• To determine if workload measurements can predict performance breakdown in pilots.

Main Methods:

• Twelve low-time, non-instrument rated pilots performed simulated flight maneuvers under instrument meteorological conditions.
• Pilots were progressively tasked until performance failure, with workload measured using the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT).
• Workload data was collected across 14 maneuvers grouped into 3 simulated flights, yielding 500 workload scores.

Main Results:

• Workload scores varied significantly across different maneuver groups, with Instrument Landing System (ILS) approaches and descents showing the highest workloads.
• Workload scores were significantly higher when pilots experienced performance failure.
• The Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) demonstrated sensitivity in detecting workload variations and showed potential as a predictor of performance breakdown.

Conclusions:

• Managing pilot workload is crucial for preventing performance failure in Visual Flight Rules (VFR) pilots operating in adverse weather.
• The Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) is a viable tool for measuring pilot workload and shows promise in predicting performance limitations.
• Further research into workload management strategies is recommended to enhance aviation safety.