Stress and workload in pilots

Several studies have highlighted the increase in physiological activity which occurs in pilots during flight and especially during takeoffs and landings. For example, it has been clearly demonstrated that pilots' heart rates increase during the landing approach to reach a peak at or just before touchdown. These changes have been attributed to workload and to psychological or emotional stress. This paper examines a number of test pilots' heart rate responses recorded during various flight trials involving different types of aircraft. Examples include ramp takeoffs in a VTOL fighter, automatic landings in fog, supersonic flight through monsoon rain, and a sortie in which the pilot developed acute appendicitis. It is concluded that heart rate responses in experienced pilots are influenced almost entirely by workload-related factors and not by emotional stressors, such as risk and anxiety. Because of the emotional overtones of the word "stress," it is suggested that the term workload should be used when referring to the reason for increased cardiovascular activity of pilots.