People
Ing. Roman Matyáš, Ph.D.

2023, Human Factors in Transportation, New York, Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics International), p. 530-538), ISBN 978-1-958651-71-1

Several strategies can be employed to combat a sudden onset of fatigue. Napping is widely used as one of these strategies. Commercial airlines allow one pilot on flight deck duty to avail of a short rest period in the pilot seat while the other pilot is responsible for the aircraft control – this technique is called controlled rest. Controlled rest is considered a tool to enhance flight safety; this is based on the premise that reducing fatigue leads to an improved pilot condition in the context of cognitive and motor functions. However, this assumption has not been explored on an experimental level and is not supported by objective data. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of control rest on pilot performance. Ten pilots participated in the study. The experiment consisted of four experimental flights in a simulator. Two flights were flown on the first night of the experiment without a controlled rest period and several days later another two night flights were flown with a controlled rest period. Deviations from the instrument landing system guidance during the final approach phase were evaluated in terms of precision and accuracy. The analysis of flight data revealed an improvement in horizontal path tracking for flight with controlled rest; this is further supported by the evaluation of excessive deviations in 3D space. On the other hand, significant performance degradation is observed in the vertical plane for flights with controlled rest.

2022, Transportation Research Procedia, Amsterdam, Elsevier B.V.), p. 222-229), ISSN 2352-1457

Although illusions may be very common and dangerous, they do not receive enough attention in civil pilots training in terms of identification and experience. In contrast to military aviation, there is not any aeromedical training focused on flight illusions concerning civil aviators to this day. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine whether to implement vestibular illusion simulator training into IR (Instrument Rating) training. Subsequently, specific parts of IR training along with a particular flight profile were chosen. This was based on the design of a practical experiment, which included induction of specific illusions in various flight profiles and situations. Using spatial disorientation simulator, twenty-five instrument rating instructors were exposed to three flight profiles containing four vestibular illusions. Specifically, it was somatogravic, somatogyral, Coriolis and the leans illusion. After each flight profile, a questionnaire concerning subjective responses regarding specific illusions and flight profiles was filled. Twenty-four out of twenty-five instructors were in favour of implementing vestibular illusion simulator into IR training, either mandatory or on voluntarily basis. The potential integration phase was chosen to be the beginning part or the final part of the IR training. This could lead to an overall improvement for safety of aviation.

2022, Transportation Research Procedia, Amsterdam, Elsevier B.V.), p. 275-282), ISSN 2352-1457

Proven by accident statistics, a tired pilot poses a threat to safe flight operations, especially in its critical phases, such as the approach to landing. In the context of the fatigue's impact on the accurate execution of the approach to landing, no research has yet been carried out to experimentally confirm/deny the impact of this factor on the pilot's performance. Therefore, this study examines the impact of fatigue on the final approach phase through a 24-hour flight simulator experiment. Eight subjects participated in the study, performing 15 instrument approaches over the time period defined above. In order to quantify the stabilised portion of the approach, a time-based approach was defined. The approach was based on identifying the portion of the approach executed in the prescribed descent region of pyramidal shape expressed in percent. The results show a link between the precision and accuracy of the instrument approach execution and the level of pilot fatigue, which can lead to unstabilised approaches that negatively affect overall safety. Therefore, the experimental setup, methodology, and results can serve as an evidence-based approach for a more concrete definition of fatigue risk management or as a knowledge base for further development of this issue.

2022, 2022 New Trends in Civil Aviation (NTCA), Praha, České vysoké učení technické v Praze), p. 123-128), ISBN 978-1-6654-5190-1

This article deals with experimental assessment of whether SPL holders acquire the necessary competencies for the first solo flight in a powered aircraft using only virtual reality. The experiment was performed on a sample of 10 participants who were trained using a simulator based on virtual reality. All participants succeeded in the simulator training, although differences in the length of training required were observed. This training was followed by a flight in a real airplane that consisted of 3 traffic patterns. The participants also filled out questionnaires. This subjective self-assessment was then compared with an objective assessment (flight data, instructor's comments). The outcome was 5 successful and 5 unsuccessful participants of assessment flight in the real airplane. On a sample of 10 participants, areas that are suitable for training in a virtual reality environment were identified. Results indicate that virtual reality is a suitable complement to pilot training, but it is not suitable to use as the only means of flight training.

2021, 2021 International Conference on Military Technologies (ICMT), Praha, IEEE Czechoslovakia Section), ISBN 978-1-6654-3724-0

New requirements for classifying unmanned aerial vehicles are forcing institutions as well as manufacturers to devise established procedures and methodologies for testing vehicles. A new possibility of dynamic testing of performance parameters of multicopters is offered in addition to conventional software modeling of flight characteristics and static tests in wind tunnels. This alternative is currently hampered by the problem of flight data collection. This work deals with the design of a complex measuring device specially designed for the testing of the flight characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicles. The proposed modular device provides the user with a flight record containing time-synchronized data showing the linear and angular accelerations achieved by the vehicle during flight, three-axis roll, flight altitude, magnetic course, multicopter speeds, and revolutions of each power unit separately. This work further defines the conditions imposed on the type of tested multicopter (load capacity) and the subsequent need for its balancing. The output of this work is to support the experimental research of dynamic quantification of multicopter performance properties during flight.

2021, Proceedings of the “Transport Means 2021”, Kaunas, Kaunas University of Technology), p. 609-615), ISSN 1822-296X

Due to the characteristics of their profession, pilots are often exposed to fatigue. Irregular shifts, night flights, prolonged wakefulness, crossing multiple time zones and associated circadian rhythm disruptions are just some of the factors contributing to pilot fatigue. As a result of fatigue, cognitive and motor functions are affected, which could lead to reduced performance. If an emergency situation occurs when the pilot is fatigued, it may limit its correct and successful resolution, as evidenced by the accidents to which fatigue was a contributing factor. For these reasons, attention is paid to fatigue in aviation. Many of the negative effects that fatigue has on aircraft crew performance are now known, but the overall impact of fatigue is often underestimated. This is due to a low knowledge of the complexity of the effects of fatigue, as data are collected in the form of individual testimonies of crew members, and therefore the application of this subjective data to the entire population is inaccurate and can lead to errors. One of the characteristics that are affected by fatigue is motor skills. The pilot's movement in the cockpit is severely limited. Most of the physical activity is performed by the upper limbs and head, more precisely the eyes. Compared to the upper limbs, the load on the lower limbs during standard flight is much lower, as the pilot operates not only the control element for deflecting the control surfaces with the upper limbs, but also other on-board instruments....

2021, Proceedings of the “Transport Means 2021”, Kaunas, Kaunas University of Technology), p. 715-720), ISSN 1822-296X

Presented article deals with the problematics of operation on more than one type under air operator certificate operations. Multi-type operations have always been often discussed. It is a subject where two fundamental aspects of commercial aviation come into a clash. On one side, the financial requirements of operators always strive to lower operating costs. Thus, an increase in the flexibility of flight crew planning and the lowering of crew training costs can be a strategic win for the company. On the other side lie the safety requirements laid down by the controlling authorities, which play a significant role in protecting the passengers, people on the ground, and the crew. The text focuses on the legislative, operative, and safety problems tied with operations on more than one type. Basic operational restrictions and procedures are laid down according to the European regulations. This article considers the two types for multi-type operations: the Cessna Citation Model 680 Sovereign and Model 700 Longitude. These aircraft belong to the same category of mid-size business jets and remarkably similar in dimensions, performance, and cabin configuration. It is thanks to these similarities that these two types seem to be ideal candidates for multi-type operations. The differences of both aircraft will be examined and analyzed. The safety study is based on the differences observed between the two types. The safety study identifies and evaluates individual hazards and risks of multi-type operations on the C680 and C700. The methodology and process used for the safety study are based on the operator's safety management manual. Operational restrictions and procedures are defined. Among these restrictions, we can find crew planning restrictions, standard operating procedures for the flight crew, and a syllabus draft for additional differential training on both types. The text also suggests procedures for continual safety monitoring during operations on more than one type.

2020, AIAA/IEEE Digital Avionics Systems Conference - Proceedings, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.), ISBN 9781728198255, ISSN 2155-7195

In this paper, we present a complex solution for flight data gathering, analyzation, and visualization. This solution can be used for the Competency-Based Training of pilots in general aviation. For the data gathering, we are introducing a concept of an embedded device. For data analyzation, we are introducing the approach for algorithmic detection of flight maneuvers based on the recorded flight data. There is a multiplatform software application for data visualization. We are also describing the reasons for creating such solutions and potential future uses of our hardware and software products. This paper is mostly describing the important requirements and their implementation regarding the future usage for Competency-Based Training of pilots in general aviation. We are not describing a lot of technical details to keep this paper straightforward and we are mostly focusing on passing the whole idea and benefits of our products.

2020, 2020 New Trends in Civil Aviation, Praha, IEEE Czechoslovakia Section), p. 129-133), ISBN 978-80-01-06726-0, ISSN 2694-7854

In recent years, drones have experienced rapid technological development. The new EU regulations, therefore, apply to both users as well as manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles. The mentioned legislation does not yet precisely define the testing methodology and methods of required parameters of each individual category of unmanned aerial vehicles. This study pays special attention to the possibility of dynamic indoor testing of multicopters. It raises the research question of the possibility of experimental determination of the pitch angle as a partial characterisation of a vehicle in flight with manual control of a multicopter against continuous airflow. A simplified wind tunnel generated the airflow with a lamella regulator. Three 10 minute experimental flights were performed against an airflow rate of 1.45 / 2.43 / 3.42 m/s. The task of an experienced pilot was to keep the multicopter in the middle of the airflow during hover manoeuvre. The flight data of the multicopter were recorded by an inertial motion capture (MoCap) system Inertia ProMove in the form of a quaternion and linear accelerations. The results of the study do not show an increase in the median value of the pitch angle of the quadcopter when manually maintaining the hover against the airflow rate in the wind tunnels. On the contrary, as expected, the correlation of the pitch quadcopter and forward linear acceleration was demonstrated. This pilot study presents a possible methodology for indoor testing of a partial aspect of the flight characteristics while drawing attention to the problem of such dynamic testing.

2019, TRANSPORT MEANS 2019 - PROCEEDINGS OF THE 23rd INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE, Kaunas, Kaunas University of Technology), p. 835-840), ISSN 1822-296X

During the flight, pilots are influenced by surrounding stimuli such as environment, gravity, mental state, et cetera, which may affect (in a negative way) the safety of flight. Standard evaluation methods of physiological parameters are used to monitor the pilot's state. The most commonly monitored and evaluated parameter is heart rate because it reflects the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Based on the knowledge of evaluation of time series consisting of time intervals between two consecutive heartbeats, the spectrum analysis is used in specific frequency bands. Inter alia, such time series are evaluated in a time domain, or by nonlinear methods. Standard spectrum analysis or other nonlinear methods, however, do not contain time information. In other words, it is necessary to apply these analyses on time windows gradually scanning received signal which limits using these methods for real-time evaluation of the psychophysiological condition. This paper discusses the Wavelet Transform being it a method for processing the heart rate variability as it is/seems a perspective method for online monitoring of pilots' psychophysiological state. Measurement of subjects was conducted on a flight simulator and in the aircraft as well. Obtained knowledge might positively affect monitoring pilots in training by adjusting the training according to their specific needs.

2019, Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Military Technologies, Prague, Czechoslovakia Section IEEE), ISBN 978-1-7281-4593-8

Presented article focuses on support and creating of supporting indicators for Evidence-Based Training, Specific orientation lays on assessment of pilot’s performance and heart rate assessment that may indicate psychophysiological condition of pilot. Method of experimental measurements included two groups (Gr. A and Gr. B) of ten subjects that completed simulator training and flight training on real airplane. Influencing factor for transition from analogue to glass cockpit layout was implemented for both groups where one group completed preparation for the transition (Gr. B) and the other did not (Gr. A). Results demonstrate that precision of piloting technique during final phase of training raised within Gr. B compare to Gr. A, however, rANOVA tests revealed that mean heart rate was almost same for both groups across the training phases. In addition to these facts, significant correlation was detected between subjective and exact assessment of pilot precision which together with other presented results represents the fact that pilot performance assessment could be done mainly by monitoring of pilot precision and correctness of performed lessons and manoeuvres. Presented research brings another possibilities for development of pilot training as well as to data-driven training.

2019, TRANSPORT MEANS 2019 - PROCEEDINGS OF THE 23rd INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE, Kaunas, Kaunas University of Technology), p. 696-701), ISSN 1822-296X

A key to achieving a high and stable level of aviation safety is keeping the required performance of aviation personnel on the highest possible level. It's commonly known that an intense amount of stress characterizes aviation professions which eventually results in affecting the employee's performance. The objectification and optimization of a workload concerning the environmental and ergonomic factors are being subjected to research. Some of the approaches take into account also psychological training of which actual effectivity hasn't yet been proven and thus, is not much supported. In this context, this paper examines so-called relaxation techniques as a form of increasing mental resilience in pilots. Myriad of relaxation techniques are used to release the tension and lower the workload. A selected combination of psychotherapeutic and physiological methods, specifically autosuggestion and affirmation techniques, Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation method and intentional breathing exercises, was selected for the purpose of this study. A change in the physiological parameters record and a level of error rate in the piloting technique was compared within subject groups in flight training, one without a previous practice of selected relaxation technique and two that underwent the relaxation training.

2018, Young Transportation Engineers Conference 2018, Praha, Fakulta dopravní), ISBN 978-80-01-06464-1

Advisory procedures are meant to be simple operation procedures based on the use of GNSS when flying under VFR, without degrading flight safety. To prove that procedural steps or predetermined manoeuvres are beneficial for pilots, it´s done underwent a series of testing. It was used observation of physiology parameters to obtain quantitative values of the level of psychical condition on testing subjects during VFR flight on simulator with and without GNSS in use, to determine if proper usage of GNSS decreases workload of pilots. The study was attended by 9 students of the Department of Air Transport, CTU in Prague, Faculty of Transportation Sciences. The measured data was collected in the form of bio signals using the VLV-LAB system. For the purposes of evaluating the psychophysiological status of the pilots, a heart rate record was chosen as the main indicator – heart rate variability (HRV), i.e. duration of each R-R interval. Measured data was evaluated by standard methods in the time domain. All measured subjects had a decrease (meanHR), respectively increase (meanRR) of given parameters in with-GPS measurements compared to without-GPS measurements.

2018, New Trends in Civil Aviation, Leiden, CRC Press/Balkema), p. 255-259), ISBN 978-0-8153-7602-6

EUROCONTROL member states approach to address the implementation of instrument procedures at uncontrolled aerodromes using GNSS is not uniform. Two basic concepts can be identified, namely the implementation of IFR procedures on instrument runways and the implementation of so-called Cloud Break Procedures. For these concepts, their pros and cons are determined. Thereafter, an analysis of the attitude of EUROCONTROL member states to implement these approaches is performed. It can be deducted from the results that, despite the unity of Europe, each state is autonomous and solves the operation in its own way. This situation is a major obstacle to the development of aviation in Europe, as there is no single path to be followed.

2017, Aeronautica XVII, Lublin, University College of Enterprise and Administration in Lublin), p. 305-308), ISBN 978-83-60617-49-6

Conventional navigation aids such as VORs and NDBs are being withdrawn worldwide. There exists more economical and practical method of navigating air traffic within busy airspace. Area navigation bring enormous advantage in terms of time airborne, safety and fuel burn. In order to elevate this beneficial value to its peak, PBN was introduced and being implemented throughout countries around the world. Challenge is very similar to other modern technologies and services. Sometimes, development process is faster than proper training syllabus and for some senior experienced pilots could be potentially dangerous. Following article describes briefly EASA requirements placed on flight crew and suggests key knowledge points which the training could be focused on.