Assessing Operator Task Loading: A Function Analytic Approach

Abstract

A human factors evaluation of the P-3C aircraft was conducted to determine the workload implications resulting from design modifications at the sensor and tactical operator stations. The primary objectives of the evaluation were: (a) to determine if equipment and software design changes had significantly influenced the workload of the operators and (b) to determine if the design changes resulted in improved system performance. To aid in conducting this analysis a method known as the Function Description Inventory (FDI) was used. This method requires a series of investigations analyzing the selected operational functions of specific P-3C crew members, with an essential part involving the determination of roles, duties, and tasks performed by the crew members. Next, crew members' judgments were compiled on how important these roles, duties, and tasks were for mission success, how frequently they were performed on a typical mission, how difficult were the activities for the typical operator, and finally, how effective were the systems in accomplishing these operational functions. After combining the FDI results with the results of traditional human engineering analysis, it was concluded that there were substantial workload and system effectiveness changes at all three stations.