Focus of attention and pilot error

Abstract

The evolution of cockpit automation is associated with an increased criticality of human error because missing, ignoring, or incorrectly processing even the smallest bit of relevant information can lead to an aircraft incident or accident occurrence. The most important factors associated with such occurrences are focus of attention and pilot error. Research performed at the National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR) has shown that changes in focus of attention can be measured via an eye tracking system (ASL 4000SU). The aim of this paper is to discuss how eye movements are used to indicate focus of attention, and how such information can be used to design new cockpit displays with decreased chances of pilot error.