USAF Pilot Perceptions of Workload Assessment in a Combat or High-Threat Environment

This study analyzed the self-reported survey responses of 219 Air Force Pilots concerning their perceptions of workload assessment in a combat or a high-threat environment. The first objective of this study was to determine and compare the combat workload factors of varying importance in combat workload assessment by aircraft and mission type flown. The second objective was to examine the pilots' perception of combat mission in-flight workload. A stepwise regression model to predict the pilots' perceptions of in-flight workload using pilots' characteristic data was explored. Research conclusion varied among aircraft types. Combat workload items indicated, as "distractingly" important were similar for all aircraft types, while items in lower level of importance were impacted by aircraft type. Mean Combat Workload (CWL) scores of pilots from each aircraft type were not significantly different. Overall, it was concluded that surveying pilots who had flown in combat or high-threat environments provided useful responses to assess pilot workload; however, findings based on subjective assessments, provide tentative grounds for further research.