Pilot Flying versus Pilot Monitoring: Study of gaze allocation during dynamic and critical flight phases

Abstract

Understanding pilots’ monitoring strategies is an important way to improve flight safety. We studied the gaze allocation of twenty pilots during sensitive flight phases in an Airbus 320 full flight simulator. Our objective was to characterize monitoring strategies regarding pilot’s status (Captain/First Officer) and pilot’s role (Pilot Flying/Pilot Monitoring). Monitoring strategies differed between Captain and First Officer during take-off and automatic landing. Monitoring strategies were also contrasted between Pilot Flying and Pilot Monitoring during go-around and warning events. When warning events occurred, suboptimal gaze allocation was characterized by an over-focus on primary flight parameters. Our results confirmed the importance of developing better training programs to enhance pilots’ monitoring skills and synergy in complementary monitoring.