Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Flight-Deck Technologies To Enable Nextgen Low Visibility Surface Operations, Lawrence (Lance) J. Prinzel Iii, Jarvis (Trey) J. Arthur, Lynda J. Kramer, Robert M. Norman, Randall E. Bailey, Denise R. Jones, Jerry R. Karwac Jr., Kevin J. Shelton, Kyle K.E. Ellis

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

Many key capabilities are being identified to enable Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), including the concept of Equivalent Visual Operations (EVO) – replicating the capacity and safety of today’s visual flight rules (VFR) in all-weather conditions. NASA is striving to develop the technologies and knowledge to enable EVO and to extend EVO towards a “Better-Than-Visual” operational concept. This operational concept envisions an ‘equivalent visual’ paradigm where an electronic means provides sufficient visual references of the external world and other required flight references on flight deck displays that enable Visual Flight Rules (VFR)-like operational tempos while maintaining and improving safety …

Measuring Distribution Of Attention As A Part Of Situational Awareness - A Different Approach, Katrin Meierfrankenfeld, Werner Greß, Tina Vorbach

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

This paper outlines a different approach to measure pilot aptitudes during flight simulator missions. An algorithm was developed to assess a candidate’s distribution of attention beyond observation technique, eye-tracking or multidimensional tracking (e.g. altitude, speed, heading), thus getting rid of typical measurement problems. The algorithm used to evaluate candidate’s distribution of attention in Phase III, German Armed Forces’ third phase of aircrew selection consisting of simulator flights in a typical training scenario, is a mere time measure. The following article describes its construction as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Effects Of Event Rate On Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity During Vigilance Performance, Catherine Neubauer, Michael B. Dillard, Joel S. Warm, Gregory J. Funke, Matthew Funke, Gerry Matthews, Samantha L. Epling, Allen W. Dukes

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) was used to assess the effects of event rate on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). Fast (30 events/minute) and slow (5 events/minute) event rates were employed in a 40-minute vigilance task that simulated the control of remotely piloted aircraft. As is typical in vigilance tasks, signal detection declined over time but there was no performance difference in conjunction with the two event rate conditions. Nevertheless, CBFV was greater in the fast than in the slow event rate condition and declined significantly with time on task. These outcomes support previous findings of a close tie between CBFV …

Pilot Cognitive Functioning And Training Outcomes, Thomas R. Carretta, Raymond E. King, Paul D. Retzlaff, Erica Barto, Malcom James Ree, Mark S. Teachout

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

The predictive validity of scores from two cognitive functioning tests, the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery and MicroCog, was examined for initial pilot training outcomes. In addition to training completion, academic grades, daily flying grades, check ride grades, and class rank were available for graduates. Mean score comparisons and correlations in samples of between 5,582 and 12,924 trainees across the two tests showed small, but statistically significant, relationships with training performance. The results pointed to general cognitive ability as the main predictor of training performance. Comparisons with results from studies involving US Air Force pilot aptitude tests showed lower validities for these …

The Use Of Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (Fnirs) To Assess Cognitive Workload Of Air Traffic Controllers, Hyun Woo, Ben Willems, Joshua Harrison, Kurtulus Izzetoglu, Sehchang Hah, Hasan Ayaz

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

The performance of a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) can have a critical impact on safety. A specific concern is that a high cognitive load has been associated with performance decrement. Thus, it is important to continuously monitor and accurately assess CPC cognitive load. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Conflict Resolution Advisory (CRA), automation which provides CPCs with resolutions to avoid conflicts. In this study, we used functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to index cognitive workload of 12 CPCs from En Route centers. Results indicate that fNIRS measures were sensitive to air traffic level, but …

An Integrated Neuroergonomic Assessment Of In-Flight Pilot Workload, Steven D. Harbour, James C. Christensen, Justin R. Estepp, Tyron M. Gray

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

This study accomplished an exploration of a workload protocol and a preliminary assessment of pilot workload and situation awareness in-flight during various phases of airborne operation on a tactical airlift aircraft. Initial comparisons were made between the Head Down Display (HDD) which was previously certified by the FAA as a Primary Flight Display (PFD), and the original Head Up Display (HUD) configuration which has not been endorsed as a PFD. Quantitative results were produced to aid in resource decision making regarding cockpit systems for this aircraft. Low and no cost improvements were identified and recommendations were implemented. This work refined …

Looking For Chuck And Pt: An Evidence-Based Approach To Assessing Helicopter Pilots, Paul Dickens

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

This paper describes the use of an evidence-based approach to the assessment of commercial rotary-wing pilots. Following the four category protocol set out by Briner and Rousseau (2011), a robust psychological assessment process was developed covering intellectual ability, mental wellbeing, the Big 5 personality dimensions and critical incident analysis. Findings from each component are discussed, particularly the findings on the personality characteristics using the Big 5 dimensions. Findings of high Conscientiousness and very low Neuroticism were shown to mirror similar findings in the literature, while a higher than expected incidence of social withdrawal needs more investigation. Implications for future assessment …

Perceptual And Adaptation Implications With Display 3-D Spatial Location: Retrofit Of Hud On A Tactical Airlift Platform, Steven D. Harbour, Jeffery A. Hudson, Gregory F. Zehner

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

The retrofitting of a cockpit with a Head-Up-Display (HUD) raises potential accommodation and perceptual issues for pilots that must be addressed. For maximum optical efficiency, the goal is to be able to place every pilot’s eye into the HUD Eye Motion Box (EMB) given a seat adjustment range. Initially, the Eye Reference Point (ERP) of the EMB should theoretically be located on the aircraft’s original cockpit Design Eye Point (DEP) while horizontal and vertical seat adjustment would allow pilots to position their eyes inside the EMB. However, human postures vary, and HUD systems may not be optimally placed. In reality …

Recommendations Supporting Development Of Flight Deck Datacomm Text And Graphic Display Evaluation Guidance, Jennie J. Gallimore, Ricardo D. Munoz, Stephen B. Kiss, Chang-Geun Oh, Timothy Crory, Randall Green, Clark Shingledecker ., Pamela S. Tsang .

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

In the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NexGen), voice communications will become less frequent, and most communication will occur via data communications -- uplink messages (UM) (to pilot) and downlink messages (DM) and requests (to ATC). Clearances may include simple one-element clearances such as CLIMB TO [altitude] or complex clearances created by concatenating messages to create flight trajectories that include ATC-authorized route segments, altitudes, and at least one required time of arrival (RTA). Due to the complexity of clearances, aircraft and flight deck equipment manufacturers may seek approval for new and modified flight deck displays to more clearly depict clearances …

The Utility Of At-Sat In Hiring Graduates Of An Air-Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program, Linda G. Pierce, M. Kathryn Bleckley

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

The FAA recruits applicants for Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) positions from multiple sources. Each hiring source has requirements that applicants must meet for eligibility. These hiring sources include the Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), for applicants with specialized education in air traffic control (ATC) and General Public (GP), for applicants with no prior ATC education or experience. Both AT-CTI and GP applicants must take and pass the Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT), a computerized pre-employment test battery designed to assess an applicant’s aptitude for performing the duties of an ATCS. The current research effort compares the …

Communication Sequences In Controller Pilot Communications, Jonathan Histon, Esa Rantanen, Cecilia Ovesdotter Alm

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

Temporal patterns in the content of controller-pilot communications can reflect strategies and techniques used by controllers. Introducing data-based communication systems may profoundly impact these strategies and techniques. To establish a baseline of existing patterns in controllerpilot voice communications, analysis is presented of the content of air-ground communications between pilots and controllers from North American operations. Results are presented of the relative frequency of common sequences of communication events and how these vary in response to changes in weather conditions. Methodological challenges in sequence analysis as well as implications of the results for understanding effect of changes in communication technology on …

The Psychomotor Vigilance Test: Sources Of State And Trait Variance, Hans-Juergen Hoermann

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

Within the context of pilot and air traffic controller selection tests the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT, Dinges & Powell, 1985) was evaluated for its underlying sources of variance. The PVT is a simple visual reaction time task, which is well established as a measure of alertness during sustained operations. It provides scores for mean reaction times and number of lapses. While the PVT has proven sensitivity for temporary states of fatigue and other stressors in withinsubjects designs, validation studies are lacking to examine it for potential sources of trait variance, which could lead to confounding effects. This paper presents results …

Controller – Pilot Communications In The Presence Of Asynchronous Uas Radar Surveillance Data, Xiaochen Yuan, Jonathan Histon, Catherine Burns, Steven Waslander, Reza Dizaji

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into controlled airspace will create challenges for the pilots and controllers who need information about the UAS. This paper presents a preliminary study of the effect of differential time delays, or asynchrony, in the distribution of UAS surveillance information to controllers and pilots. Effects on controller-pilot communication were observed through 6 distinct measures of both objective performance and subjective self-evaluation. Larger time delays had an observable impact on all of the observed measures; comparison of pilot and controller results showed that the operator with the most updated information consistently experiences less frustration and feels the …

Flight Deck Audio Displays: Striking The Right Tone In Future Designs, Mitchell L. Serber

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

The 2009 accident involving Air France Flight 447 illustrates the gap between visual and auditory display design and implementation in commercial aircraft. By examining the successful evolution of Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) to incorporate both audio and visual alerting and resolution guidance to flight crews, a contrast is drawn with similar aids available in advance of aircraft upset episodes. A universal approach for future design should incorporate harmonized video and audio displays providing optimized alerting and guidance along with the latest in simulator training designed to emphasize aircraft state awareness …

Individual Differences In Perception And Performance Of Advanced Navigation Systems, Andre Garcia, Jesse Eisert, John Payne, Carryl L. Baldwin, Victor Finomore

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

We examined individual differences in use and preference for tactile route guidance formats. Participants drove a simulated vehicle through counterbalanced pairings of four distinct cities using one of four navigation systems (three tactile and one auditory control). One tactile system used only pulse rate, the second system used only tactor location, and the third used both pulse rate and location to convey guidance instructions. All navigation systems provided both a preliminary and an immediate cue indicating to take the next most immediate turn. Individual differences in sense of direction resulted in different preference ratings without any observed performance differences. The …

The Impact Of Cognitive Psychology In Minimizing Human Errors, Patrik Jonzon

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

Working towards zero accidents – Experience from education and supervision of pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) from the Royal Danish Air Force gives us a model on how to apply the latest clinical psychology methods and research, and combine it with Human Factor models.

What is behind accidents? Errors, so can you talk about zero errors? Everyone knows that this is utopia; the question is rather how we can understand errors, minimize errors and minimize the effect of errors. The goal of this paper is to contribute to a theoretical and practical understanding of how to use the research …

Effects Of Nextgen Concepts For Separation Assurance And Interval Management On Atco Situation Awareness, Thomas Z. Strybel, Kim-Phuong L. Vu, Dan Chiappe, Corey A. Morgan, Vernol Battiste

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

We examined the effects of responsibility for interval management and separation assurance on ATCo situation awareness, workload and performance. Four conditions were tested by crossing two strategies for interval management (ATCo responsible or flight deck responsible) and two strategies for separation assurance (ATCo primary or automation primary). Situation awareness and workload were assessed with an online probe technique. Workload was lowest when both functions were automated, but situation awareness for conflicts depended on the sector. Both workload and situation awareness were related to the number of ATCo-managed LOS.

Transferring Human Factors Knowledge From Aviation To Development Of A Warning System For Landslide, Ioana Koglbauer, Guenter Hohenberger, Christian Steger

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

There is a successful history of transferring knowledge from aviation to other domains such as medicine (Thomas & Helmreich, 2002). In this study the ICAO multistage alerting service (2008) served as model for the specification of an early warning system for landslide. The early warning system is designed to monitor mass-movement data provided by GPS sensors, and to generate warnings and alarms to the National Alarm- and Warning Center of Styria, Austria. For the human factors specification of the new system a qualitative analysis was performed. Results are discussed with regard to applicability of human factors guidelines from aviation to …

Tracking And Visuospatial Working Memory, Robin Langerak, Chris M. Herdman, James Howell Ba

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

The present research examines the role of visuospatial working memory in supporting pursuit tracking. Participants completed a pursuit motor tracking task while simultaneously completing secondary tasks designed to separately place demands on either storage or processing in visuospatial working memory. The results show that simple pursuit tracking utilizes visuospatial processing in working memory without a strong requirement for visuospatial storage. These findings have implications for understanding time-sharing of tasks in the cockpit.

Measuring Human Factors Success In Acquisitions, Jason Demagalski, Dr Branka Subotić, Dr Jerry Crutchfield, Dr Dwayne Norris

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2013

Human factors specialists work as part of multidisciplinary teams supporting acquisition programs. Depending upon the acquisition model and culture of an organization, the exact points of involvement of human factors specialists may vary, as too will the metrics of success for each project. Acceptable/optimal level of operational performance is the goal of any Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. Human performance is a key component of operational performance. Measuring human performance can be an area of academic debate often yielding vague answers or need for more research. This is of little use or interest to project and senior managers who make …