Investigations on Boundary Avoidance Tracking and Pilot Inceptor Workload

Abstract

Handling qualities research largely depends on the understanding of the pilot's behaviour in the control loop. Established pilot models are based on the idea that the pilot tries to achieve target conditions, e.g. a specific attitude. In 2004, Gray introduced the so-called boundary avoidance tracking theory which considers the pilot as someone who tracks away from threatening conditions (boundaries) when they become dominant. In the frame of a preliminary simulator study with 5 test subjects the flight test technique which is associated with boundary avoidance tracking was performed and the concept was investigated in detail. Especially the presumption was considered that this new technique can raise the pilot gains in a build-up fashion and can therefore be more effective than conventional techniques. Gray's pilot inceptor workload criterion was enhanced and used to explain these specific effects.