Date of Award

12-1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

David K. Vaughn, PhD

Abstract

This study analyzed the self-reported survey responses of 219 Air Force Pilots concerning their perceptions of workload assessment in a combat or a high threat environment. The first objective of this study was to determine and compare the combat workload factors of varying importance in combat workload assessment by aircraft and mission type flown. The second objective was to examine the pilots' perception of combat mission inflight workload. A stepwise regression model to predict the pilots' perceptions of inflight workload using pilots' characteristics data was explored. Research conclusion varied among aircraft types. Combat workload items indicated as distractingly important were similar for all aircraft types, while items in lower level of importance were impacted by aircraft type. Mean Combat Workload (CWL) scores of pilots from each aircraft type were not significantly different. Overall, it was concluded that surveying pilots who had flown in combat or high threat environments provided useful responses to assess pilot workload; however, findings based on subjective assessments, provide tentative grounds for further research.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GLM-LAC-97D-1

DTIC Accession Number

ADA335182

Comments

Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Logistics and Acquisition Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology

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