Analysis of Pilot Eye Behavior during Glass Cockpit Simulations

Abstract

Equipment failure and poor visibility conditions are factors that private pilots do not typically encounter. However, pilots can inadvertently encounter those conditions. Glass cockpits have improved pilot safety. As the aircraft's industry grows, unexpected flight conditions will become more frequent safety hazards. There is limited information about these conditions to support governmental training guidelines for such situations. The objective of this study is to expand the knowledge on pilot's visual attention during unexpected conditions. This study analyzed the average eye fixations per second of flight time (fix/s) of 30 certified private pilots. Randomized treatments of visibility and of either equipment failure or no failure were encountered during glass cockpit simulations. All participants looked more to the outside view and GPS during all conditions. This study showed common characteristic of visual attention during failure and weather conditions. Participants eye behavior changes with the introduction of unexpected conditions. However, the limited training on what to do when facing unexpected situations of equipment failure and poor visibility, led participants to focus more on the outside view than on the instruments missing information about the aircraft status. This research could help designers and trainers identify the visual focus areas for private pilots during adverse conditions.