Construction and Application of a Combined Network and Production Systems Model of Pilot Behaviour on an ILS-Approach

Abstract

A simulation study was conducted for determining information flow requirements of a pilot-cockpit interface during an ILS-approach. The steps of the study for modeling, simulating, and analyzing system processes are discussed. Starting with the definition of the problem which includes the relevant flight processes, the network of pilot tasks, and the performance measures, the conceptual model of processes is mathematically described by means of algebraic and difference equations as well as production systems. To transform the model into a simulation program, the simulation language SLAM is used. SLAM elements utilized for modeling flight processes and pilot activities as well as the procedure of model validation are discussed. The analysis of simulation output data results in the determination of important information requirements useful in a design project such as range of variables to be indicated or affected, frequency and sequence of variables used by the pilot, pilot tasks, duration of task variables, and the average utilization rate of cockpit display and control components.