Pilot task demand load during RNAV approaches with a Cessna Citation

Abstract

AbstractThis research aims to develop a method which predicts the task demand load as experienced by pilots while flying an area navigation (RNAV) approach. First, this will yield insight in which aspects of an approach actually influence pilot task demand load. And second, during the design of approaches this method can be used to rapidly evaluate a potential approach and to ‘optimise’ an approach with respect to pilot task demand load. During previous research, focusing on approaches flown with a B747, a list of factors that influence pilot task demand load has been obtained, as well as a method to keep pilot task demand load at an acceptable level. The method consists of seven guidelines to be adhered to during approach design. This paper shows that the list of factors and the method do not only apply to a B747 aircraft but are generally applicable to other aircraft as well. This is underpinned by results from both flight simulator tests and real flight tests with TU Delft’s Cessna Citation laboratory aircraft. Additionally, it is shown that there are no discrepancies between the list of factors influencing pilot task demand load resulting from the flight simulator tests and the list of factors resulting from the real flight tests.