2018 年 17 巻 1 号 p. 36-49
We developed a method of quantitatively assessing a pilot's flight-simulator performance to improve simulation-based education using flight-training devices (FTDs). As a quantitative index of performance, we focused on the pilot's line-of-sight while scanning flight instruments, and tried to characterize his/her performance level based on visual focus tendencies. Two experiments were conducted. The first was a comparative analysis of line-of-sight data recorded for flight instrument-rated (IR) pilots and non-instrument-rated (NIR) pilots in order to verify that line-of-sight data can be used as a quantitative assessment benchmark. The second was conducted to verify the effectiveness of reviewing and reflecting on a NIR pilot's own recorded line-of-sight data – as well as that of a IR pilot – in the form of recorded images, for improving his/her flying skills. In each experiment, a steep turn, which is a common in-flight maneuver, was conducted using a flight-training device (FTD). Six cockpit instruments were chosen as the targets of line-of-sight measurements. The number of times that the pilot's eyes became fixated on each instrument was measured and the cumulative fixation time was calculated. In this study, we observed different visual focus tendencies for IR pilots and NIR pilots. Flying skills were found to markedly improve by reflecting on the pilot's own line-of-sight, as well as that of an IR pilot using recorded images.
