Military Pilots Research Articles

What I don't know can hurt you: Collateral combat damage seems more acceptable when bystander victims are unidentified.

Five experiments (N = 2,204) examined responses to a realistic moral dilemma: a military pilot must decide whether to bomb a dangerous enemy target, also killing a bystander. Few people endorsed bombing when the bystander was an innocent civilian; however, when the bystander's identity was unknown, over twice as many people endorsed the bombing. Follow-up studies tested boundary conditions and found the effect to extend beyond modern-day conflicts in the Middle East, showing a similar pattern of judgment for a fictional war. Bombing endorsement was predicted by attitudes towards total war, the theory that there should be no distinction between military and civilian targets in wartime conflict. Bombing endorsement was lower for UK compared to US participants due to differences in total war attitudes. This work has implications for conflicts where unidentified bystanders are common by revealing a potentially deadly bias: people often assume unidentified bystanders are guilty unless proven innocent.

Understanding military pilots’ fuel-saving intentions for supporting logistics missions

Military pilots can play important roles in saving aviation fuel by operating aircraft in an environmentally sustainable manner. Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study investigates the factors associated with cargo pilots’ fuel-saving intentions during logistics missions. We collected 108 survey responses, including 62 from the United States Air Force (USAF) and 46 from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) using the survey data show partial support for the relationships between three antecedents (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) and behavioral intention. Contrary to existing studies involving TPB, which are mostly about personal choices with some degree of freedom, the results suggest that the impact of subjective norms is greater than that of attitude in this study context, which can be explained by the rigid military culture and strict air traffic control including specific routes, altitudes, and speeds mandated by Air Combat Command. The theoretical and practical contributions of this study provide insights into how subjective norms influence intentions across different contexts, extending the applicability of TPB to industries with rigid organizational cultures and tight operational controls, such as the airline industry.

Comparative evaluation of central serous retinopathy in pilots and non-pilot patients: Retrospective study of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC)

BackgroundCentral serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a disqualifying condition for pilots because of the importance of good vision to their jobs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and aviation medical assessment principles for CSC in military pilots. MethodsThe clinical data and aviation medical assessments of 15 pilots with CSC who were admitted to the Air Force Medical Center between January 2003 and December 2021 were analyzed, and three typical cases are reported. The relevant literature evaluation was conducted on 32 non-pilot patients with CSC. ResultsThe mean age of the 15 pilots was 37.47 ± 4.21 years, and they were all male. Fourteen were affected in a single eye (4 in the right eye and 10 in the left eye), while one was affected in both eyes. Two pilots were nonsmokers and did not consume alcohol; one was a smoker; four pilots consumed alcohol on a regular basis; and eight pilots were smokers and consumed alcohol on a regular basis. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased from 0.83 ± 0.33 at the initial visit to 0.95 ± 0.44 at the final visit. The non-pilot group included 32 patients, 29 of whom were male and 3 of whom were female, with a mean age of 37.16 ± 10.02 years. Thirty-one patients had single-eye involvement (17 of the right eye and 14 of the left eye), while one patient had involvement of both eyes. Seventeen patients were nonsmokers and did not consume alcohol; two were smokers; four consumed alcohol on a regular basis; and nine were smokers and consumed alcohol on a regular basis. The mean BCVA increased from 0.64 ± 0.28 at the first visit to 0.90 ± 0.30 at the final visit. Patients in the pilot group had a high recurrence rate, which was associated with a low final BCVA and led to their disqualification from flying. ConclusionPilot and non-pilot patients did not differ significantly in terms of CSC clinical data. Chronic and recurrent CSC can be a vision-threatening disease; therefore, pilots must receive accurate and timely diagnosis.

Normobaric Hypoxia Symptom Recognition in Three Training Sessions

INTRODUCTION: Hypoxia training is mandatory for military pilots, but variability in hypoxia symptoms challenges the training. In a previous study we showed that 64% of pilots recognized hypoxia faster in their second normobaric hypoxia session conducted 2.4 yr after the first. Our aim here was to evaluate whether a third session conducted 5.0 yr after the first would provide further benefit. METHODS: This study was conducted under normobaric conditions in a tactical F/A-18C Hornet simulator in three sessions in which the pilots performed visual identification missions and breathed 21% oxygen in nitrogen. The breathing gas was changed to a hypoxic mixture containing either 8%, 7%, or 6% oxygen in nitrogen without the pilot’s knowledge. Data were collected from 102 military pilots. The primary outcome was the time taken for initial identification of hypoxia symptoms. RESULTS: Hypoxia symptoms were recognized on average in the first session in 8% oxygen in 100 s, 7% oxygen in 90 s, and 6% oxygen in 78 s; in the second in 87 s, 80 s, and 71 s, respectively; and in the third in 79 s, 67 s, and 64 s, respectively. In 2 sessions 20 pilots and in each 3 training sessions 3 pilots had slow recognition times. DISCUSSION: Hypoxia symptom recognition improved the further the repeated normobaric hypoxia training went. More emphasis should be put on the 23% group of slow hypoxia symptom recognizers and more customized hypoxia training for them should be offered. Leinonen AM, Varis NO, Kokki HJ, Leino TK. Normobaric hypoxia symptom recognition in three training sessions. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(10):758–764.

Phosphor Screens Color Preferences Depending on Night Vision Experience and Luminance Level.

One of the most important factors affecting visual performance during vision aided by night vision goggles (NVGs) is image quality, which depends mainly on the image-intensifier technology used. Although NVGs with green image color (P43 phosphor) are only accepted in military aviation, white image (P45 phosphor) seems to be equally well-regarded by aviators. The aim of our study was to determine if the experience of using NVGs with the green screen affects image preference for that color, and if the screen color preference is related to luminance level. Subjects (127 military pilots, 26-56 yr, M = 37.2; 62 pilots with flight experience with NVG use) were asked to observe a model terrain board at two different luminance levels (corresponding roughly to ambient conditions during starlight and one-half moonlight) while using two types of NVGs (green P43 and white P45 phosphor screens). The pilots were asked to answer a questionnaire about their preference for NVG display color. The findings showed a significant difference between screen color preference and pilots' experience with the green-phosphor-based NVGs (43.5% vs. 23.1% for white screens). However, there was no relationship between screen color preference and luminance level. Previous NVG experience seems to play an important role in shaping a user's individual preference for a certain phosphor screen color, although green and white phosphor screens both provide satisfactory visibility. Nevertheless, when deciding, it is advisable to experiment with both colors and select the one that suits the user's preferences and needs. Lewkowicz R, Dereń-Szumełda J. Phosphor screens color preferences depending on night vision experience and luminance level. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(10):749-757.

Ensuring High-Quality Professional Training for Future Tactical Air Force Pilots in Combat Flight through the Pedagogical System's Effectiveness Justification

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the efficacy of the pedagogical system in providing high-quality professional training for prospective tactical air force pilots. The study encompasses the evaluation of cognitive, operational, motivational and conative, and physical components of professional training for combat flights through an extensive pedagogical experiment. Two distinct groups, namely the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG), comprising a total of 190 participants, were established for the experiment. The assessment of professional readiness among KNAFU student pilots for combat flights involved the examination of criteria, indicators, and levels associated with each component. The experimental process entailed both quantitative measurement and qualitative interpretation of the outcomes. The study uncovered noteworthy enhancements in professional training for future tactical air force pilots, encompassing intellectual domain, simulator training quality, operational proficiency, motivational and conative aspects, physical capabilities, and psychophysiological elements. These findings contribute to the progression of military pilot education and carry positive implications for public health. By refining the training programs and pedagogical approaches for military pilots, the implemented measures can indirectly impact public health by ensuring the deployment of highly skilled and mentally resilient pilots to safeguard national security. This study underscores the interdependence between professional training for tactical air force pilots and broader public health objectives, underscoring the significance of holistic education and training approaches in the military domain.

Cardiac autonomic responses in relation to cognitive workload during simulated military flight

Understanding the operator's cognitive workload is crucial for efficiency and safety in human–machine systems. This study investigated how cognitive workload modulates cardiac autonomic regulation during a standardized military simulator flight. Military student pilots completed simulated flight tasks in a Hawk flight simulator. Continuous electrocardiography was recorded to analyze time and frequency domain heart rate variability (HRV). After the simulation, a flight instructor used a standardized method to evaluate student pilot's individual cognitive workload from video-recorded flight simulator data. Results indicated that HRV was able to differentiate flight phases that induced varying levels of cognitive workload; an increasing level of cognitive workload caused significant decreases in many HRV variables, mainly reflecting parasympathetic deactivation of cardiac autonomic regulation. In conclusion, autonomic physiological responses can be used to examine reactions to increased cognitive workload during simulated military flights. HRV could be beneficial in assessing individual responses to cognitive workload and pilot performance during simulator training.

Heart Rate Variability in Military Pilots During Flight: A Scoping Review.

Piloting an aircraft is a complex multitasking activity that involves managing information in a nonautomatic way and generates a high workload (psychological, cognitive, and physical) for the pilot. The excess of these demands can result in decreased performance and may impair flight safety. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been used in recent studies as a method to investigate operator's workload in complex environments. This measure can assess the stress and recovery ability of the autonomic nervous system. However, a better understanding of flight influence on the pilot's autonomic modulation is necessary. Therefore, this scoping review aims to systematically map the studies related to changes in the autonomic modulation in military pilots during flight, in order to characterize their workload at different times and flight profiles. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (by PubMed), SCOPUS, and LILACS databases. Recent records (2002-2022) that analyzed HRV in military pilots during flight were included. Meanwhile, studies in which piloting activity was not performed were excluded. The study was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline extension for Scoping Reviews and the Updated Methodological Guidance for the Conduct of Scoping Reviews. A total of 298 records were obtained, of which 19 were included in the scoping review. The studies analyzed flights performed in high- and low-performance aircrafts, helicopters, and flight simulators, using time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear HRV indices. Real and simulated flights produced significant autonomic changes. Some flights elicited autonomic nervous system responses that persisted up to 5 h after landing. During real flight, the most sensitive indices for identifying variations in pilot workload were root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats, standard deviation of interbeat interval of normal sinus beat (SDNN), ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power, and Poincaré plot standard deviation perpendicular to the line of identity (SD1), whereas the interbeat interval (RR), SDNN, SD1, and Poincaré plot standard deviation along the line of identity (SD2) were the most sensitive indices when comparing segments of simulated flight with different levels of difficulty. This scoping review provided insight into the influence of flight on autonomic modulation in military pilots. Some key themes were highlighted: Increased sympathetic activity during flight, sensibility of different domains of HRV to flight demands, and autonomic changes during recovery time. Future research efforts may allow us to enhance the understanding of pilot's workload limits and to elucidate the optimal postflight recovery time.

Prevalence of barodontalgia in military pilots of the Brazilian Air Force

Introduction: Barodontalgia refers to the painful condition affecting previously asymptomatic teeth and periodontal tissues, caused by changes in atmospheric pressure during flight. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of barodontalgia in Brazilian Air Force (FAB) pilots. Materials and Methods: An exploratory study was carried out, with a convenience sample, made up of military pilots, regardless of age group and type of aircraft, using a structured questionnaire and descriptive analysis of the data. Results: 141 pilots participated; men; 37.3 ± 3.6 years; 40.6% were transport pilots, 14.1% fighter, 9.4% rotary wing, and 35.8% Instruction/Demonstration. The prevalence of barodontalgia was 12.8% (18 occurrences). Three missions were interrupted. Regarding knowledge of barodontalgia, 56 (39.7%) reported regular knowledge and 21 (15%) declared they had no knowledge on the subject. Conclusions: It is concluded that the prevalence of barodontalgia in Brazilian military pilots is higher than the values reported by some air forces of developed countries, already indicating the need for a more in-depth look at the oral health of FAB military personnel.

Analysis of heart rate variability during emergency flight simulator missions in fighter pilots

IntroductionManaging emergency situations in different simulated flight segments can entail a workload that could affect the performance of military pilots. The aim was to analyse the modifications in neurovegetative balance...

Relations of personality factors and suitability ratings to Swedish military pilot education completion

AbstractImproved understanding of what it takes to be a pilot is an ongoing effort within aviation. We used an exploratory approach to examine whether there are personality‐related differences in who completes the Swedish military pilot education. Assessment records of 182 applicants, accepted to the education between the years of 2004 and 2020 were studied (Mean age 24, SD 4.2 96% men, 4% women). Discriminant analysis was used to explore which personality traits and suitability ratings might be related to education completion. Analysis included suitability assessments made by senior pilots and by a psychologist, a number of traits assessed by the same psychologist, as well as the Commander Trait Inventory (CTI). The resulting discriminant function was significant (Wilk's Lambda = 0.808, (20) = 32.817, p = .035) with a canonical correlation of 0.44. The model was able to classify 74.1% of sample cases correctly. The modeling suggests that senior pilot assessment and psychologist assessment both predict education completion. Also contributing were the traits energy, professional motivation, study forecast and leader potential.

NEW APPROACH TO MILITARY PILOT EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE NEW SECURITY ENVIRONMENT

Military pilot education, including flight training, is a long, expensive, and complex process. The main goal is to produce as many skilled professionals as possible ready to perform flight tasks on the front-line aircraft and push them to their workload limits with complete control. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to select and educate young people with the aptitude and abilities to perform the most demanding military flight tasks. The creation of a model for the education and training of military pilots depends on the requirements of the Czech Air Force Command and the teaching capacities of the University of Defence and the Aviation Training Centre in Pardubice. Rearmament of the Czech Air Force and the required number of pilots requires a change in the new military pilot training model. This contribution describes a new approach to Czech Air Force pilot education and training in the current security conditions in the world.

Factors That Influence Health care-Seeking Behavior and Health Information Disclosure Among U.S. Air Force Pilots.

The reality of pilot health care avoidance behavior is often common knowledge to both pilots and aeromedical physicians, but the underlying factors leading to this behavior are less understood. In the current study, we conducted a qualitative assessment of a sample of U.S. Air Force (USAF) pilots to gather firsthand perceptions of the factors that encourage and discourage disclosure during aeromedical screening and use of mental and physical health care services, as well as recommendations to improve the USAF aeromedical health care system. We conducted interviews with 21 USAF pilots on their perceptions of seeking medical care to identify factors that uniquely discourage or encourage disclosure and health care utilization to understand factors that aid the aeromedical provider/aviator relationship and to elicit interventions that could be prospectively researched. This work was reviewed by the Air Force Research Laboratory Institutional Review Board at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and designated as exempt research, FWR20220103E. The most reported factors that discourage military pilot health care disclosure and health care utilization overall were medical revocation, stigma, and lack of trust in providers. Unit-embedded services, ease of access, and severity of condition were the most reported factors encouraging disclosure and utilization. Factor descriptions and exemplary quotes from pilots and pilot recommendations to encourage health care utilization and disclosure are provided. Results from firsthand interviews with pilots provide valuable information for flight surgeons to focus on building trust with their pilots to reduce health care avoidance.

Tactile breathing guidance increases oxygen saturation but not alertness or hypoxia symptoms.

We investigated the effect of tactile guided slow deep breathing compared with that of spontaneous breathing on blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), alertness, and hypoxia symptoms during acute hypobaric hypoxia. We also evaluated the usability of this tactile breathing guidance. Twelve male military pilots were exposed to a simulated altitude of 4,572 m (15,000 ft) in a repeated measures study while breathing spontaneously and during tactile guided slow deep breathing. Under both breathing conditions, measurements were performed at rest and during the performance of a cognitive task. The Stanford Sleepiness Scale was used to rate alertness, and hypoxia symptoms were reported using a list of general hypoxia symptoms. Usability was evaluated in a questionnaire. Tactile guidance of slow deep breathing significantly increased (p <.001) the SpO2 - 88% (95% confidence interval (CI) [84%, 91%]) at rest and 85% (95% CI [81%, 88%]) during the cognitive task - compared with spontaneous breathing - 78% (95% CI [75%, 81%]) at rest and 78% (95% CI [76%, 80%]) during the cognitive task. This increase in SpO2 had no effect on the level of alertness and number of hypoxia symptoms. Pilots were positive about the intensity and sensation of the vibration signal, but had difficulty following the vibration pattern during the cognitive task. Pre-training may improve slow deep breathing technique during performance of cognitive tasks.

Metabolic flexibility associated with flight time among combat pilots of the Brazilian air force.

Fighter pilots must support the effects of many stressors, including physical and psychological exertion, circadian disturbance, jet lag, and environmental stress. Despite the rigorous selection of military pilots, those factors predispose to failures in physiological compensatory mechanisms and metabolic flexibility. We compared through NMR-based metabolomics the metabolic profile of Brazilian F5 fighter pilots with different flight experiences vs. the control group of non-pilots. We hypothesized that combat pilots have metabolic flexibility associated with combat flight time. We evaluated for the first time 34 Brazilian fighter pilots from Santa Cruz Air Base (Rio de Janeiro, RJ) allocated into three groups: pilots with lower total accumulated flight experience < 1,100h (PC1, n = 7); pilots with higher total accumulated flight experience ≥ 1,100h (PC2, n = 6); military non-pilots (CONT, n = 21). Data collection included anthropometric measurements, total blood count, lipidogram, markers of oxidative stress, and serum NMR-based metabolomics. In comparison with controls (p < 0.05), pilots exhibited decreased levels of white blood cells (-13%), neutrophils (-15%), lymphocytes (-20%), alfa-glucose (-13%), lactate (-26%), glutamine (-11%), histidine (-20%), and tyrosine (-11%), but higher isobutyrate (+ 10%) concentrations. Significant correlations were found between lactate vs. amino acids in CONT (r = 0.55-0.68, p < 0.001), and vs. glutamine in PC2 (r = 0.94, p = 0.01). Fighter pilots with lower experience showed a dysregulation in immune-metabolic function in comparison with controls, which seemed to be counteracted by the accumulation of flight hours. Those findings might have implications for the health preservation and operational training of fighter pilots.

The effect of Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga method on air force pilots' operational performance.

In today's military landscape, optimizing performance and bolstering physical health and mental resilience are critical objectives. Introducing a 12-week Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Supta Method (AVYSM) to the training protocol of military trained Airforce pilots, we aim to assesses the feasibility and impact of the method. Borg Scale assesses the intensity level of physical activity during the intervention. Flight simulator data gauges operational performance responses. Postural control responses are measured using a force platform, stress responses are monitored via heart monitor, and handgrip dynamometry will measure strength. Respiratory capacity is assessed using a spirometer, body composition is evaluated using impedance balance, and aviation-related questionnaires are administered before and after the intervention period. In a randomized controlled trial, the totality of pilots from the "Masters in Military Aeronautics: aviator pilot specialist" course at the Portuguese Air Force Academy (PAA) were randomly assigned to the yoga intervention or the waiting list control groups, with participants providing written informed consent. The control group followed protocolized course classes for 12 weeks, while the intervention group integrated two weekly one-hour yoga sessions into their course. The PAA has approved the implementation of this intervention protocol at Airbase 11 in Beja, highlighting its significance for the organization's policy makers. We hypothesize that this method will enhance operational performance and, subsequently, elevate flight safety. This research's potential extends beyond the PAA, as it can be adapted for use in Airforce departments of other nations and various military contexts. Évora University research ethics committee-approval number 21050. Study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT05821270, registered on April 19, 2023.

Малая авиация в Российской Федерации: текущее состояние, проблемы и пути их решения

Today, it is general aviation that influences the development of the regions of the Russian Federation, taking into account its territorial characteristics. General aviation can be used for the development of many fields of activity, such as: training military and civilian pilots, fire monitoring, emergency medical care, environmental monitoring; obtaining weather forecasts; combating poachers, use for the construction of unmanned aircraft and solving many other tasks. Moreover, unlike commercial aviation, general avitation increases transport mobility and increases the attractiveness of regions for investors and entrepreneurs. This article discusses the main problems and methods of their solution for the development of the civil aviation transport system.

HOW DOES MENTAL DISTRACTION INDUCED BY AN ADDITIONAL TASK AFFECT THE SEVERITY OF SIMULATOR SICKNESS SYMPTOMS IN PILOTS: A SPATIAL DISORIENTATION SIMULATOR STUDY

Introduction: To improve the effectiveness of spatial disorientation (SD) training in a flight simulator, pilots are recommended to perform an additional task that induces a mental distraction. The presented study explored how the inclusion of an additional task that may enhance the effectiveness of SD training changes the severity of simulator sickness symptoms reported after exposure in the Gyro-IPT simulator. Methods: We compared the incidence of simulator sickness symptoms in pilots across four setups of flight scenarios (varying according to cognitive load distraction) collected during our previous studies. A total of 77 male military pilots (age 28.3±6.2) with flight experience (810.72 ±969.43 hours) were randomly assigned to one of four groups and then exposed to a 60-min long flight session (12 flight profiles, six involved an SD-conflict) with active control in the Gyro IPT simulator. In addition to the primary flying task, in three flight scenarios, pilots were asked to perform an additional visual (a change detection flicker task [CDFT]), auditory (an auditory N-back task [NBT]), or duration-discrimination task (DDT)). To measure simulator sickness symptoms, the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was administered pre- and post-simulator exposure. Results: The severity of simulator sickness symptoms due to visual and motion cues did not significantly change when the pilot performed a non-sickening cognitive task (additional visual or auditory task). The total SSQ score and scores for nausea, oculomotor disturbance, and disorientation in the CDFT and DDT were slightly higher than in the control condition (flight without additional task). Despite the observed differences, according to the SSQ scoring criteria, the simulator sickness symptoms reported by the pilots were negligible. Conclusions: The additional tasks (CDFT, auditory NBT, or DDT) applied to improve the effectiveness of SD training in the Gyro-IPT simulator do not significantly change unwanted effects, such as simulator sickness.

Relationships among barodontalgia prevalence, altitude, stress, dental care frequency, and barodontalgia awareness: a survey of Turkish pilots

Background Gas expansion in body cavities due to pressure changes at high altitudes can cause barodontalgia. This condition may compromise flight safety. Aim To investigate relationships among barodontalgia awareness, dental visit frequency, and barodontalgia prevalence in civilian and military pilots operating at high altitudes. Materials and Methods Civilian pilots from Turkish Airlines and military pilots from the Turkish Air Force, flying between November 2022 and January 2023, participated in this study. A 20-question survey was administered to 750 pilots, covering topics such as barodontalgia awareness, dental visit frequency, breaks after dental treatments, in-flight pain, and pain type and severity. The voluntary surveys were distributed by email. Results Of the 750 pilots, 526 completed the survey; 61% were aware of barodontalgia, and 81% of pilots who had experienced it reported pain at altitudes &lt;2000 feet. The study revealed higher barodontalgia awareness among pilots who had experienced it, with the highest prevalence among jet pilots. Pilots with barodontalgia also showed a higher frequency of dental visits (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, this group reported more frequent interruption of flight due to dental treatment (IFDT), more problems experienced in flights after treatment (PFAT), and higher instances of bruxism or teeth clenching during flight, suggesting stress and anxiety (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions Barodontalgia, a type of pain linked to stress, significantly impacts pilot performance, and can threaten flight safety, even at lower altitudes. Thus, there is a need to educate pilots about stress management, barodontalgia awareness, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.

The role of visual conditions and aircraft type on different aspects of pilot workload

ObjectiveThe objective of our work was to assess the impact of flight conditions by aircraft type on the workload estimated using NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). BackgroundLearning about subjective workload is important for assessing the impact of a pilot's work environment on their performance in the cockpit. This is an important element of flight safety and includes the prevention of aviation accidents. MethodsThe study included 146 military pilots that fly the following aircrafts: flying fast-jet (21), fixed-wing (24), and rotary-wing (101). The NASA-TLX questionnaire was used to assess workload and pilots were asked to determine the level of workload resulting from flying under the following conditions: daytime flight (VFR), night-vision flight performed under Night Visual Flight Rules (NVFR), and night-vision flight using night-vision goggles (NVGs). ResultsThe highest level of workload was consistently attributed to flights performed under NVG conditions. NVFR conditions were rated as the most burdensome, while VFR conditions were rated as the least burdensome. Fast-jet pilots rated their mental performance and effort workload as significantly higher than pilots of other aircrafts. ConclusionPilots’ perceived workload is influenced by both flight conditions and the type of aircraft they fly. Workload knowledge is important for flight safety and should be taken into account during training and flight-task planning. ApplicationThe results of our study can be useful both in flight training and in work on the effectiveness of the human-machine interface. Awareness of one's own limitations due to the work environment can help improve flight safety.