Measuring the Impact of NextGen Operating Concepts for Separation Assurance on Pilot Situation Awareness and Workload

Abstract

We determined the effect of NextGen concepts of operation for separation assurance on pilot situation awareness and workload using an online probe technique. We also evaluated the probe technique for sensitivity, diagnosticity, and validity with respect to different NextGen separation assurance operating concepts. These concepts allocated responsibility for conflict detection and resolution to either pilots, air traffic controllers, or an automated, ground-based, conflict detection and resolution agent. Probe queries were developed to fit in 1 of 3 categories: traffic conflicts, aircraft or airspace status, or commands and communications. We determined that pilot situation awareness of conflict information was highest when the pilot was responsible for separation assurance; workload was minimally affected. Moreover, the changes in pilot awareness of task-specific information can be determined using this online probe technique. Evidence for the reliability and validity of our probe technique is also provided.