Computer use and, more specifically, the administration of tests and materials online continue to proliferate. A number of subjective, self-report workload measures exist, but the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) is probably the most well known and used. The aim of this paper is to consider the workload costs associated with the computer-based and paper versions of the NASA-TLX measure. It was found that there is a significant difference between the workload scores for the two media, with the computer version of the NASA-TLX incurring more workload. This has implications for the practical use of the NASA-TLX as well as for other computer-based workload measures.

The following study examined pilots' performance on in-flight planning tasks in non-nominal and emergency conditions using autoflight systems capable of automatically generating a flight plan. The findings revealed that autoflight systems did not significantly impact replanning, while the scenarios did significantly affect the primary performance measures of distance flown and time of flight. Additionally, pilots selected the most direct route when possible and did not distinguish between emergency and non-nominal flight conditions. Pilots also favored use of the automatically generated flight plans. We conclude that: 1) automatic flight path generation benefits in-flight replanning primarily by reducing workload in emergencies; and 2) such a system will require real time access to environmental information, including traffic, weather and terrain, be considered simultaneously.

This paper addresses principles of coherent design in the design of operational procedures, control systems and ground control stations for uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs). Creating a coherent set of operating procedures, automatic functions and Ground Control Stations (GCS) requires a systematic design approach that creates a consistent conceptual thread between these elements. Following this approach, Cognitive Work Analysis was used to develop procedures, automatic functions and ground control stations for continuous target surveillance using a UAV. The importance of the coherence was subsequently analyzed through human-in-the-loop simulation. The results indicate that UAV controllers, using coherent designs, achieve significantly higher mission performance and experience lower workloads than those using incoherently matched procedures, automatic functions and GCS.

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This work presents a solution to prevent and reduce the severity of runway incursions. This solution, called the Controller Clearance Broadcast System (CCBS), addresses the root causes of many runway incursions as well as mitigating the impact of those that do occur. Specifically, the CCBS design incorporates controller intent, by serving as an intermediary system to capture controller clearances, vet them for appropriateness, and then broadcast them via both analog radio channels and digitally via ADS-B. CCBS is anticipated to benefit the air transportation system by: 1) increasing operational efficiency; 2) decreasing the numbers of pilot deviation and operational errors; 3) decreasing radio channel congestion; and 4) increasing the ability to 'remote tower' smaller airports. The CCBS includes visual displays for tower controllers and pilots, an expert system to improve operational efficiency, a critiquing system to prevent erroneous clearances, and an alerting system to provide warnings to both pilots and controllers about clearance deviations. The system is highly flexible, and accommodates various levels of aircraft and airport equipage, to allow a gradual transition from analog to digital based clearances. A software prototype of the CCBS has been created and shown the feasibility of the basic clearance capture functionality.Further research into the creation of a fully functional CCBS prototype is warranted as it will address a number of areas of research important for use in NextGen.