An analysis of mental workload and psychological stress in pilots during actual flight using heart rate and subjective measurements

Abstract

We explored in the same study the two concepts of mental workload and psychological stress and their relationships with piloting activity and heart rate in low experienced pilots. Three low experienced pilots (3 males) performed 12 real flights in visual condition (lasting approximately 60 min) with a single engine piston Socata TB-20. Results revealed higher mental workload and stress levels for take-off and landing in comparison to other flight segments. Cardiovascular measurements revealed consistent result as the highest heart rate responses (in comparison to a resting heart rate baseline) occurred during take-off (+45.23%) and landing (+29.90%). We also found a significant positive correlation between heart rate and mental workload/stress levels. In addition, mental workload and psychological stress levels during the various flight segments were positively correlated. With the exception of a positive correlation between mental workload and flight performances during the cruise segment only, we were not able to uncover tangible results regarding the relationship between workload/stress, heart rate and flight performances. This latter aspect is discussed in relation to the Yerkes-Dodson law.