Human Factors Regarding Age in Single Pilot Transitions to Technologically Advanced Aircraft

Abstract

The purpose of this research is investigating the relationship between computer simulated instruction and pilot performance in the transition to technologically advanced aircraft. With the advent of computerized glass cockpits in modern aircraft a problem has arisen of the ability of aging pilots and the human factors involved. These pilots for many years have received training on the round instrument gauges and the question is, can they now safely make the transfer to the new cockpit technologies? Studies show a cognitive deficit with pilot's age 40 years and older making transitions to these advanced cockpits. SPSS statistical software will be used to analyze data looking at specifically Spearman's Rank Order Correlation. This non-parametric statistic will be used to compare one group of under age 40 pilots and one group over age 40 pilots and their ability to transfer to more technologically advanced aircraft.