Improving the pilot selection process by using eye-tracking tools

Abstract

This paper improves the understanding of the use of eye-tracking tools in the pilot selection process. Research of eye movement and attention distribution of candidate pilots may provide the capability for visual behavior prediction in more demanding flight training phases. The research included psychological testing, flight screening of subjects and their achievements in a flight simulator in combination with an eye-tracking device. Participants were divided into three categories: high performance, average performance, and low performance and separately regarded through psychological testing results and flight screening results. An eye-tracking device tracked visual behavior of subjects through the scope and speed of visual perception. The number of fixations and revisits recorded during the simulated visual flight conditions measured the difference in visual response between subjects. Comparison of results showed a positive correlation with psychological test results. Correlation with flight screening selection was not confirmed. We used the new network-based approach with three target importance measures to overcome the shortcomings of traditional eye movement metrics. The results of the adopted network approach presented in the form of graphs and analysis of normalized importance measures showed that it was possible to extract specific saccade strategy for each participant. Discovered differences between them positively detected week ones. In this way, Eye-tracking tools can potentially improve the pilot selection process and complement other tests and assessment methods.