Insights into Pilot Situation Awareness Using Verbal Protocol Analysis

Abstract

The relationship between long-term memory structures and working memory in maintaining pilot situation awarness was investigated using verbal protocol analysis. Two groups of pilots were studied: experts and novices. Each group of pilots flew 3 scenarios on an F-16 Air Intercept Trainer. Each scenario simulated air-to-air interception of one, two, or four enemy aircraft by one F-16 fighter pilot. Verbal reports were segmented and encoded according to a functional model of training F-16 pilots receive. In addition subjective workload ratings were measured in each experimental condition. Preliminary analyses of the data only provide a modicum of support for this hypothesis. Further analysis is being done.

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