A model for pilot control behavior in analyzing potential loss-of-control events

Abstract

An adaptive model of the human pilot engaged in pursuit tracking tasks that was previously introduced in the literature is modified and applied to the analysis of piloted control of a realistic transport aircraft model. As described, the pilot model requires no guesswork on the part of the analyst as regards initial parameter settings. By means of computer simulation, the adaptive pilot model is shown to exhibit superior performance to its non-adaptive counterpart in a series of configuration changes associated with the vehicle model. The overall validity of the post-adaptive pilot model is assessed by examining the resulting open-loop pilot vehicle dynamics in comparison to that predicted by the crossover model of the human pilot. The pilot modeling approach is proposed as a preliminary analytical tool to be used in the assessment of robust flight control system designs subject to faults or system failures with an eye toward potential loss-of-control.