Psychophysiological Effects of Aging - Developing a Functional Age Index for Pilots: III. Measurement of Pilot Performance.

摘要

If a functional age index for pilots is to be developed that can be used as a criterion for extending or terminating an aviator's career, means for the assessment of pilot proficiency must be available or devised. There are two major approaches used today; the qualitative evaluation of performance based mainly on subjective ratings, and the quantitative assessment of performance through objective recordings of pilot action and aircraft response. The qualitative rating procedure, which is still the official method authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration and other Government agencies abroad, is still popular, generally accepted, and operationally rather effective. The most advanced concept of measuring pilot performance is based on automated data recording and processing independently of or in conjunction with the judgment and interpretation of an instructor, examiner, or inspector. With all the computers and automatic data processing equipment around, pilot performance indeed can now be measured automatically, accurately, and rather reliably. Measurements already obtained this way discriminate effectively among different levels of operational requirements, demands, skills, and proficiency and are accepted by the pilots. Owing to the capability of simultaneously monitoring the performance of the human operator and the aircraft, automatic inflight monitors are the ultimate in systems design and application. Their implications for the development of a functional age index for pilots are discussed. (Author)