Advanced Workload Assessment Techniques for Engineering Flight Simulation

Boeing Defense and Space Group, Helicopters Division, in conjunction with The University of Illinois Aviation Research Laboratory, recently conducted a series of experiments to examine operator workload in a high fidelity simulation of an advanced rotorcraft cockpit .The experiments focused on the mental workload imposed by the type and magnitude of specific flight, communication, and navigation-related tasks. As part of this experimental effort, a multidimensional methodology for the assessment of operator workload employing a battery of subjective, performance, secondary task, and physiological measures was developed and applied. This paper presents an overview of this methodology, including data collection and analysis procedures. Lessons learned from this experience are also presented to provide guidance to future simulation-based experimental efforts. In addition, a brief discussion of operator workload assessment is provided to enhance the reader's understanding of the topic. Specific data, results, and conclusions derived from this effort are not presented.