ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of various forms of advanced cockpit automation for flight planning on pilot performance and workload under a futuristic concept of operation. Method: An enhanced flight simulator was developed to present a Boeing (B) 767-300ER cockpit with interfaces and functions of both existing and futuristic forms of automation, including a control-display unit (CDU) to the aircraft flight management system, an enhanced CDU (CDU+ ), and a continuous descent approach (CDA) tool. A lab experiment was conducted in which pilots flew tailored arrivals (TAs) to an airport using each mode of automation (MOA). The arrival scenario required replanning to avoid convective activity and was constrained by a minimum fuel requirement at the initial approach fix (IAF). The three different MOAs ranged from minimal
assistance to a fully automated system. Flight task workload was also manipulated in the test trials by adjusting the starting position of the aircraft relative to the airport, depending upon the MOA, in order to allow more or less time for the route replanning task. Responses measures included time-to-task completion (TTC) and success/failure in completing the replanning task before the first waypoint on the arrival. The Modified Cooper-Harper (MCH) cognitive workload rating scale and pilot heart-rate (HR) were used as measures of workload in the test trials. Results: The use of low-level automation (CDU mode) led to significantly higher pilot workload (HR and MCH) and longer TTC compared with the CDU+ and CDA modes. Contrary to our expectation, the use of high-level automation (the CDA tool) led to the lowest success rate (correct route selections by the first point on the anival); whereas, the use of intermediate-level automation (CDU+) led to the highest success rates. This was possibly due to the definition of the success criterion under the CDA mode. The CDU and CDU+ modes of automation revealed learning effects during the earliest test trials, in terms of TTC. In general, results indicated that the MOAs influenced pilot performance and workload responses according to hypotheses. Conclusion: This study provides new knowledge on the relationship of cockpit automation and interface features with pilot performance and workload in a novel next generation-style flight concept of operation.
