Pilot workload during final approach in congested airspace

Abstract

Time estimation has been proposed as a measure of pilot workload and it appears that the production method provides a useful measure. The verbal estimation method has also been investigated and it appears that it does not provide as sensitive a measure of workload as does the production method. Verbal estimates are given with less precision and a series of verbal estimates tends to reflect a relative judgement of the duration of different intervals rather than an absolute judgement of the length of each interval. Overestimation may either reflect boredom during the interval, or the fact that a great deal of activity was performed during the interval that was remembered. Underestimation may either reflect a feeling that time passed quickly because interesting activities were engaged in, or that so little activity was performed or remembered, that very little time passed.