Investigation of Pilot Inceptor Workload and Workload Buildup Technique Through Simulator and In-Flight Studies

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigates the relationship of pilot inceptor workload (PIW) with the workload buildup flight test technique (WBFTT) with various conditions of pilot workload, for objective aircraft handling qualities (HQ) evaluation. Background HQ evaluation of a piloted aircraft remains an elusive area of flight testing, due to the existing subjective evaluation technique for the pilot workload. The pilot control inceptor being an important interface for a pilot with the aircraft, it is the best tool to estimate pilot workload. Method The statistical model of this research involved 3 independent variables, namely aircraft flying qualities, secondary task, and boundary effect of WBFTT, each differently affecting the pilot workload. Two studies were undertaken on a fixed-base, variable-stability HQ research flight simulator with military test pilots. In-flight study of pilot inceptor movement was undertaken in an advanced jet trainer aircraft during high pilot-gain air-to-ground target tracking tasks. Results The results of simulator studies validated the relationships of PIW and WBFTT with statistical significance from a wide set of data, with variations in pilot workload in terms of flying qualities and secondary task. The in-flight studies validated the effects of high pilot gain and proximity to ground (boundary), on the pilot inceptor movements, in training combat maneuvers. Conclusion Studies manifested PIW as a simple and direct measure to estimate pilot workload and WBFTT as an effective technique for HQ stress testing with high pilot gain.