Study on the evaluation method of pilot workload in eVTOL aircraft operation

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Human Factors Engineering
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Assessing pilot workload in manned electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft is crucial for safe operation.
• The Cooper-Harper Rating (HQR) is a standard but subjective measure of pilot workload.
• Quantitative analysis of pilot control actions is needed to complement subjective ratings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a quantitative method for assessing pilot control workload in eVTOL aircraft.
• To identify effective control strategies that minimize pilot workload.
• To establish a framework for analyzing the relationship between pilot control inputs and workload.

Main Methods:

• Review of time and frequency domain control action analysis methods.
• Development of a pilot workload assessment method using wavelet transform.
• Selection of appropriate wavelet functions and sampling frequencies.
• Analysis of pilot control inputs from helicopter flight tests and tilt-rotor simulations.

Main Results:

• The wavelet transform method precisely identifies frequency components and energy levels in pilot control actions.
• A significant correlation was found between pilot control characteristics, frequency components, and Handling Quality Ratings (HQRs).
• The developed approach offers a quantitative link between pilot inputs and perceived workload.

Conclusions:

• Wavelet analysis provides a rational and quantitative framework for evaluating pilot workload in eVTOL operations.
• This method can help in designing eVTOL control systems that reduce pilot workload.
• The findings support the development of more objective pilot workload assessment tools for future aircraft.