Dynamic decision-making of airline pilots in low-fidelity simulation

Abstract

Dynamic decision-making in aviation involves complex problem solving in a dynamic environment characterized by goal conflicts and time constrains. Training mostly focuses on testing domain-specific knowledge and skills that may result in context-specific rather than general problem-solving skills. A low-fidelity decision-making simulation may favour the understanding of the decision process rather than the decision outcome alone. We investigated airline pilots' decision-making strategies and task performance through the use of the low-fidelity computer simulation (microworld) COLDSTORE, a non-linear, opaque, time-delayed task. Almost thirty percent of pilots adapted (Adaptors) to the task's demands, reaching the desired objective. About thirty five percent of pilots approached the task using a cautious strategy (Cautious). However, the success rates in reaching the task's objective revealed that performance was compromised for the cautious group. A changing (Changers) and oscillating (Oscillators) approach was also observed. More experienced pilots differed from least experienced pilots in strategy and performance adopted. We suggest that low-fidelity dynamic decision-making simulations offer an environment for practicing and understanding the decision-making process. That may contribute to pilots' ability to coordinate monitoring, recognition, planning, judgement and choice when acting under flight environment time constraints. Relevance to human factors/ergonomics theory Dynamic decision-making training in aviation is limited by systematic checks in domainspecific flight scenarios. This type of training does not offer an environment where pilots can reflect upon the decision-making processes. This limits the development of skills for dealing with abnormal events in flight. The present study categorises pilots' decision-making strategies in a simulation context demanding creative problem-solving skills. We provide an analysis of how pilots approach a problem characterized by goal conflicts, where procedures cannot offer ready-made solutions. Since it is impossible to train pilots to every possible unexpected situation, exposure to such simulations may be used for improving pilots' resilience in future unknown conditions.

Kajian Aeronautical Decision Making (Studi Kasus Medical Evacuation Sinta Auliya, Penderita Kanker Tulang Kaki dari Rembang)

“…Di dunia aviasi, faktor utama penyebab kecelakaan adalah faktor manusia yang dalam hal ini adalah seorang pilot (penerbang) (Nikolajevic, 2017) (Saputra, 2020). Tetapi sangat sulit untuk melatih pilot untuk berbagai kondisi yang tidak diharapkan (Rosa et al, 2021). Program pelatihan yang murah berbasis e-learning untuk materi non teknis keterampilan terbang, pemantauan, dapat menghasilkan perolehan pengetahuan dan transfer positif dari perilaku pilot yang dipelajari selama program pelatihan ke lingkungan operasional (Potter et al, 2014).…”

Onboard remote high-definition collaborative troubleshooting and flight decision-making assistance device

“…From the research findings, for onboard decision-making assistance, many approaches involve the establishment of specific models, with academia adopting different methodologies [4][5][6][7][16][17][18][19][20]. For instance, Yaniv Mordecai et al introduced the concept of interoperability into civil aviation and developed a model-based Systems Interoperability Engineering (MoBIE) framework [6].…”