Investigating pilot performance using mixed-modality simulated data link

Empirical studies of general aviation (GA) pilot performance are lacking, especially with respect to envisioned future requirements. Two research studies were conducted to evaluate human performance using new technologies. In the first study, ten participants completed the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) in an effort to compare the intelligibility of two text-to-speech (TTS) engines (DECtalk and AT & T's Natural Voices) as presented in 85 dB(A) aircraft cockpit engine noise. Results indicated significant differences in intelligibility (p </= 0.05) between the two speech synthesizers across the tested speech-to-noise ratios (S/N) (i.e., -5 dB, -8 dB, and -11 dB S/N) with the AT & T engine resulting in superior intelligibility in all of the S/N. The AT & T product was therefore selected as the TTS engine for the second study. In the second study, 16 visual flight rules (VFR) rated pilots were evaluated for their data link performance using a flight simulator (ELITE i-GATE) equipped with a mixed-modality simulated data link within one of two flight conditions. Data link modalities included textual, synthesized speech, digitized speech, and synthesized speech/textual combination. Flight conditions included VFR (unlimited ceiling, visibility) or marginal VFR (MVFR) flight conditions (clouds 2800 feet above ground level [AGL], three miles visibility).

• Availability:
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• Supplemental Notes:
  • Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2004. Vita. Microfiche. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, 2006. 3 microfiches.
• Authors:
  • Lancaster, Jeff A
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Bibliography; Illustrations;
• Pagination: xiii, 274 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ability tests; Air pilots; Flight simulators
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01094736
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Northwestern University, Evanston
• Report/Paper Numbers: 32-08024 UMI
• Files: TLIB
• Created Date: Apr 24 2008 8:58PM