Evaluation of Operating Procedures for Single Pilot Incapacitation - Real Time Simulation

Abstract

In this presentation we describe the Real Time Simulation (RTS) conducted in the framework of the SAFELAND project aiming at addressing pilot incapacitation in future Single Pilot Operations (SPO) of an CS-25 aircraft operated under instrument flight rules (IFR). The RTS focused on the ground actors (mainly ATCO and pilots in the role of ground station operators - GSO) and aimed to assess the impact of the concept developed by SAFELAND on the aspects of feasibility, acceptability, Human Performance and Safety. It took place at DLR premises for one week (2nd to 6th of May, 2022) and involved five pilots from SWISS and five Air Traffic Controllers from LFV (i.e. Air Navigation Service Provider from Sweden). Each participant performed two simulated scenarios: incapacitation occurring either (i) in Cruise (En-Route scenario) and (ii) in Approach (TMA scenario) phase. In total, three simulators were used: (i) fully functional A321 Cockpit simulator, (ii) Ground Station Operator simulator (U-FLY) and (iii) Controller Working Position simulator. Considering the exploratory nature and level of maturity (V1) of the project, the assessment was mainly done through qualitative measurements (questionnaires and debriefings).