Accession Number:

ADA114364

Title:

Development of a Methodology for Assessing Aircrew Workloads.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Oct 78-Dec 80,

Corporate Author:

PURDUE UNIV LAFAYETTE IN SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Buck,James R.
• Barany,James W.
• Lehto,Mark L.
• Ings,David M.
• Payne,David R.

Report Date:

1981-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

95.0

Abstract:

The adaptability of industrial methods for setting job and time standards to workload assessment requirements was investigated. Methods considered included direct and indirect time study, synthetic time systems, standard data systems, information content analysis, work sampling and job evaluation. Conventional methods were found to be deficient in accounting for task time variability, divided-attention effects, and cognitive demands which are regarded as critical to effective air crew workload assessment. A combination of synthetic time and standard data system methodologies was proposed as an effective approach to the problem. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of developing a Synthetic Data SystemSDS consistent with workload assessment needs. Swithing, communication and perceptual-mediational tasks were paired with tracking to create divided-attention demands characteristic of pilot workloads. Regression analyses showed that significant amounts of variance in task time requirements and error rates could be accounted for in terms of task and man-machine interface design variables. Development of an SDS on the basis of the performance of aircrew members in aircraft simulators is recommended.

Descriptors:

• *Work measurement
• Flight crews
• Methodology
• Pilots
• Time
• Standards
• Requirements
• Regression analysis

Subject Categories:

• Human Factors Engineering and Man Machine Systems

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE