Use of Flight Simulators in Analyzing Pilot Behavior

Statistical Evaluation of Pilot’s Behavior Models Parameters Connected to Military Flight Training

“…According to the abovementioned information, the choice of model structure is especially based on the character of the pilot's response during control of a certain dynamic system, e.g., an oscillating pilot response requires inclusion of oscillating component (n > 0) into the model, or, vice versa, the absence of oscillations defines the model structure as an inertial system (m > 0, n = 0). Exploiting the multiple experiments characterized in References [6,17] and other sources, we established that, to approximate the control actions (namely, to describe human behavior), the structure is usually sufficient where the values of the m, n, and q parameters range most often as follows: q = 0-1, m = 0-2, and n = 0-1. There are, of course, even more complex models, which imply higher orders of numerator and denominator polynomials (see, e.g., Reference [10]).…”

“…The last part of the equation embodies the reaction delay, τ, which is related to the registration and subsequent processing of the visual information. The range where the value of this parameter is usually found was experimentally set to (0.2-1.5 s) [11,17]. The reaction delay is a rather critical parameter, as a situation with an excessively high reaction delay could result in a failure of the pilot's control abilities and the subsequent destabilization of the controlled system.…”

“…Based on real-life measurements, it was further determined that this model provides a sufficiently accurate approximation of most real human responses, [17,21]. The indisputable advantages of this model are its ease of use and the option to define a physiological interpretation of the individual parameters.…”

“…By identifying the parameters of the presented models, it is possible to evaluate the actual state of the pilot in terms of his/her dynamic properties; if these parameters are then monitored in time or at different stages of training, we can use this information to assess the achieved training level [17]. The model structure had to be chosen with respect to the character of the measured pilot's response, i.e., the dynamic behavior of the controlled system.…”

“…The illustrated model constitutes a general model with parameters K, T L , T I , and τ, described in the previous chapter, and can be utilized in a wide range of controlling or piloting activities; its properties and application possibilities are discussed and analyzed in References [17,21].…”