Modeling Pilot Situation Awareness

Abstract

The Man-machine Integration Design and Analysis (MIDAS) human performance model was augmented to improve predictions of multi-operator situation awareness (SA). In MIDAS, the environment is defined by situation elements (SE) that are processed by the modeled operator via a series of sub-models including visual attention, perception, and memory. Collectively, these sub-models represent the situation assessment process and determine which SEs are attended to, and comprehended by, the mod-eled operator. SA is computed as a ratio of the Actual SA (the number of SEs that are detected or comprehended) to the Optimal SA (the number of SEs that are required or desired to complete the task). A high-fidelity application model of a two-pilot commercial crew during the approach phase of flight was generated to demonstrate and verify the SA model. Two flight deck display configurations, hypothesized to support pilot SA at differing levels, were modeled. The results presented include the ratio of actual to optimal SA for three high-level tasks: Aviate, Separate, and Navigate. The model results verified that the SA model is sensitive to scenario characteristics including display configuration and pilot responsibilities.