Pilot performance evaluation of simulated flight approach and landing manoeuvres using quantitative assessment tools

Abstract

This research work examines the application of different statistical and empirical analysis methods to quantify pilot performance. A realistic approach and landing flight scenario is executed using the reconfigurable flight simulator at National Aerospace Laboratories and both subjective and quantitative measures are applied to the pilot performance data. Simulations were repeated for different difficult landing conditions like landing with degraded visibility, with crosswinds, with degraded aircraft handling qualities and with emergency conditions. Relative assessment of the different applicable metrics is made and significance of task difficulties on pilot performance is investigated. Changes in the pilot’s control strategy with respect to primary and secondary tasks are also discussed in detail. Results indicate that analysing pilot’s control strategy together with his/her deviations from predetermined flight profile provides a means to quantify pilot performance.

Nomenclature

δ _i :

stick deflection

$\upomega_{\text{cutoff}}$ :

cut off frequency

ρ:

level of significance

t _n :

flight time

X(n):

Fourier coefficients of stick data

X(m):

time series of stick data

PF:

power frequency

η² :

effect size