Evaluation the influence of noise abatement procedures to pilot's workload and safety by using an Airbus A330/340 full flight simulator

Abstract

Future growth of air traffic leads to higher noise emissions, even if new or modernized aircraft will improve this situation. A possible mitigation strategy is the development and validation of noise abatement procedures. However, new aircraft operating procedures will affect flight safety, aircraft performance, crew workload and pilot acceptance. Therefore, evaluation of technical aspects in particular with regard to human factors is essential. An Airbus A330/340 Full Flight Simulator installed at the Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (Technische Universität Berlin, Germany), linked with a special experimental environment (Scientific Research Facility), assures high quality results in these fields of research. The evaluation of human factors based on recording of physiological parameters (Eye- tracking, Electrophysiology), subjective measurements (e.g. questionnaires / interviews regarding fatigue, sleepiness, tension, workload and acceptance) and multi- video / audio data. In addition, specific technical parameter from the simulation process (such as flight aerodynamic/mechanical data, deviations and indications) and pilot’s interaction with the cockpit human machine interface were recorded. To obtain highly accurate and reliable data fully rated line pilots will have to take part in any research investigation. Additionally the simulator setup and definition of accurate scenarios and exact reproduction are key features of the available experimental system. Therefore, involvement of airlines and air traffic control are required in defining realistic scenarios (Crew Coordination Concept / Standard Operation Procedures). Different research projects at our Institute keep focus on evaluation of new operational procedures, pilot’s workload and new or modified avionic systems. This lecture gives a detailed overview of our simulator experimental environment and presents initial results from an simulator based project related to noise abatement procedures (Partners: German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Lufthansa German Airlines / The German Ministry of Research and Technology supported this study).