Date of Award
Spring 1998
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Aeronautical Science
Department
Aeronautical Science
Committee Chair
Dr. Gerald D. Gibb
Committee Member
Dr. Daniel J. Garland
Committee Member
Dr. Bruce E. Hamilton
Abstract
Increasing levels of technology have changed the task of flying modern helicopter cockpits by allowing many crew functions to be performed automatically. This study attempted to understand the relation between automation and helicopter crew coordination. Twenty-eight helicopter pilots were assigned to two-person crews and asked to fly a simulated mission in either automated or manual conditions using a low-fidelity helicopter simulator. Communication was transcribed and coded into a nine-category content classification system by two trained raters. The inter-rater reliability was +.84. Results indicated that a higher frequency of total communications was demonstrated during manual flights. The interaction of Pilot Position by Automation Level was significant (p<.05) for three of the communication content categories: Observations, Suggestions, Statements of Intent. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for communications and Crew Resource Management (CRM) training for crews flying advanced technology helicopters.
Scholarly Commons Citation
Maclsaac, Margaret A., "The Effect of Automation on Helicopter Crew Communication: A Low-Fidelity Investigation" (1998). Master's Theses - Daytona Beach. 129.
https://commons.erau.edu/db-theses/129