Eeg and Subjective Measures of Private Pilot Workload

Abstract

Complex systems can place high levels of mental demand on human operators and methods of assessing these demands are needed. Subjective and performance metrics are typically employed while psychophysiological assessment has been used to a more limited extent. In this study, civilian pilots flew a single engine propeller aircraft on a flight profile designed to produce several levels of cognitive workload using VFR and IFR conditions. Subjective and brain wave (EEG) measures were used to assess mental workload. EEG theta band activity was sensitive to a wider range of workload levels and was more sensitive than the alpha and beta bands or the subjective reports. The alpha and beta bands reliably discriminated between ground and flight segments as did the subjective data.