An Aircraft Pilot Workload Sensing System

Abstract

The workload evaluation is of great importance for human error avoidance training, particularly in the use of complex systems that requires different and concurrent activities. The excessive workload harms human performance even with adverse outcomes. In the aviation field, certain flight maneuvers, such as take-off and landing, are characterized by great attention and workload demand to the pilot. Thus, a system capable of measuring pilots’ workload levels during flight could be beneficial to increase pilots’ performance. This work aims to study the initial feasibility of a device called Cockpit Pilot Warning System that monitors the pilot workload level during flight. With this aim, an experimental campaign using a Level-D business aircraft flight simulator is conducted. Two sensors are used to acquire biological signals: a thermographic camera is used to obtain pilots’ Face Temperature Variation (FTV) while a Heart sensor is used to acquire their Heart Rate (HR). The nervous system modifies FTV and HR in response to stressing or high workload events and can thus be used to monitor pilots’ workload that affects their performance. The workload measurement with the thermographic camera is an indirect measurement, particularly indicated in aviation, since it is contactless. It does not interfere with the concentration and leaves pilots’ freedom of movement, thus not affecting their working functions.