Estimation of a Pilot’s Workload In-Flight Using External Fluctuation Factors: An Experimental Approach Using a Flight Simulator

Yuki Mekata, Kenta Shiina, Ayumu Osawa, Miwa Nakanishi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Pilots must manage their workload correctly to achieve a safe operation. However, few studies have attempted to estimate a pilot’s workload in real-time, and there are no established methods of doing so. To provide more direct support for a pilot’s workload management, we attempted to construct a model that estimates the pilot’s future workload using data on various flight-related parameters that can be acquired in real-time. Participants conducted simulated flights using the flight simulator. Based on the data obtained from these simulations, we used machine learning to construct a model to estimate the workload level 30 s later on a five-point scale. This model correctly estimated 32.0% of the test data, and in 72.3% of the test data, the deviation between the subjective value and the estimated value was within one workload level. We implemented a system that presents the estimated workload level to the pilot in real-time, and from the review of a license holder who conducted simulated flights using the proposed system, we confirmed that the system is effective for workload management.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021 - Sector Based Ergonomics
EditorsNancy L. Black, W. Patrick Neumann, Ian Noy
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages150-158
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9783030746070
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Event 21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: 2021 Jun 132021 Jun 18

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Volume221 LNNS
ISSN (Print)2367-3370
ISSN (Electronic)2367-3389

Conference

Conference 21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period21/6/1321/6/18

Keywords

  • Aircraft
  • Flight data
  • Machine learning
  • Pilot’s workload level
  • Workload management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Signal Processing
  • Computer Networks and Communications

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Estimation of a Pilot’s Workload In-Flight Using External Fluctuation Factors: An Experimental Approach Using a Flight Simulator'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this