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

Control of pilot workload may prevent performance failure of VRF pilots in adverse weather. Measurement of workload and the prediction of performance failure are the first steps. Twelve low-time non-instrument rated pilots were progressively tasked with flight maneuvers under simulated instrument meteorological conditions to the point of performance failure. For each of 3 simulated flights, 14 maneuvers, presented in groups, were performed. Perceived workload was reported by the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique. We obtained 500 workload scores. Workload scores varied significantly between the groups of maneuvers. Instrument landing system approaches had the highest workloads, with descents the second highest. Workload scores were significantly higher when associated with performance failure. The Subjective Workload Assessment Technique proved to be a sensitive workload measure. It showed some promise as a predictor of performance breakdown.