Transition from conventionally to remotely piloted aircraft – investigation of possible impacts on function allocation and information accessibility using cognitive work analysis methods

Abstract

Methods from cognitive work analysis were applied to investigate impacts of transitioning from conventional to remote aircraft control on function allocation and information accessibility. An abstraction hierarchy for an Airbus A320 was constructed, followed by an analysis of work functions and function allocation between pilot flying, pilot monitoring, and automation during approach and landing phases. Next, it was analyzed how removing the pilots from the flight deck to a remote location might affect the accessibility of important information that conventional pilots use for decision-making. The results revealed function specific information remote pilots have limited access to, which however seem to be important for decision making (such as visual cues from the environment). Furthermore, based on a supervisory control concept, a function reallocation between one pilot and automation was developed. The analyses contribute to deriving information requirements for remote pilot stations designed for remote single pilot operations in controlled airspace.