Measurement of pilot workload

Abstract

A multistage process for evaluating the workload of a five-minute segment of flight including approach and landing for a typical transport aircraft was described. The goal of the analysis was to compare the workload of the two pilots. Four types of measurement techniques were suggested: Analytic (a preliminary task and time line analysis identified task requirements and target performance levels); Performance (flight path control, communications, and interval production); Physiological (heart rate and heart rate variability); and Subjective ratings (a multidimensional technique developed at NASA Ames).