Lidé na fakultě
Ing. Viktor Valenta, 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.

Stať ve sborníku z mezinár. konf.

2022, 2022 New Trends in Civil Aviation (NTCA), Praha, České vysoké učení technické v Praze), p. 109-114), ISBN 978-1-6654-5190-1

Eye tracking is an effective method of observing human-machine interactions. There is a rapidly growing demand for lightweight eye trackers and live data analysis. In this project, a wearable device was designed by attaching existing eye tracking cameras to a new glasses frame. The device was tested in the cockpit of a Cessna 182 with the aim of automatically recognizing individual instruments and highlighting the point of gaze. Software for both real-time and post hoc areas of interest recognition was developed. A machine learning algorithm built a model based on one thousand randomly chosen frames with manually identified instruments. Additional five hundred frames were used to test the model. The system performed very well under well-lit static conditions. In flight, the average success rate of primary flight instruments detection dropped to 0.64. This is still considered acceptable performance, as the test profile included a portion of a flight into direct sunlight. The device is currently used for a pilot fatigue research project and for pilot training.

Stať ve sborníku z prestižní konf.

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

Simulation technologies have significantly evolved in recent years. Devices providing high fidelity simulation are becoming widely available in many sectors. In transportation, simulators have proven successful in personnel training, modeling nonstandard situations and even in development and research. The primary use of simulation is still focused on educational purposes. The simulated environment provides grounds for monitoring and assessment of trainees' behavior. However, in addition to simulation technologies, other tools must be deployed. These tools record the physiological functions of the trainee and assess psychophysiological conditions. Specific events, such as a stressful situation, can be detected. Similar scientific-related activities may also lead to assessment of perception. This is a complex problem for both evaluation and data collection. Additionally, it puts specific demands on experimental equipment. The presented article describes the development of a flight simulation device that enables the evaluation of the pilots' perception. This solution is based on X-Plane flight simulation engine with virtual reality (VR) and employs eye-tracking, brain activity monitors and heart activity monitors. The cockpit has a modular design and can be adapted to several aircraft types. VR-Gloves are used to interact with actual aircraft controls such as control yoke, thrust levers and even overhead panel switches. This setup creates a real-feel concept when controlling the aircraft. The presented solution is a technology demonstrator and is being tested with aviation training scenarios.

Stať ve sborníku z prestižní konf. (Scopus)

2020, Transportation Research Procedia, Linz, Elsevier BV), p. 252-260), ISSN 2352-1465

There is a great emphasis on safety in the field of aviation. Advanced technologies open new possibilities and allow objective measurements of specific safety factors. One of these factors is undoubtedly human performance which is already a significant element within a training of aviation personnel. The area of the highest interest is focused on pilot training. The aim of this study is to examine whether a specific psychological training can be considered as a positive performance influencing factor. Subjects underwent an experimental training schedule which was designed for the purpose of this study. Subjects were divided into control (n=20) and experimental (n=20) groups. The experimental group underwent Jacobson progressive relaxation psychological training. Both groups were evaluated during the experimental training schedule; accuracy and precision of piloting was measured during the second and eleventh hour of training. This study focused on basic flight maneuvers, i.e. straight and level flight, 360° horizontal turn with 30° bank and 180° climbing/descending turn with 15° bank and vertical speed of ± 500 ft/min. For the purpose of maneuver identification, Density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise algorithm was used. Each maneuver was evaluated for precision and accuracy and at the same time and used for a performance comparison between groups. Paired and between subject statistical testing were performed using appropriate statistical methods at the level of significance p<0.05. The results indicated that the implemented psychological training did not affect the performance of pilots in terms of precision and accuracy.

Stať ve sborníku z prestižní konf. (Scopus)

2020, Applied Sciences, 10 (15), ISSN 2076-3417

During their professional career, pilots often experience a change in workplace conditions in the form of an aircraft cockpit ergonomics change. Change of working conditions may impact their perception of flight data or the pilot's psychophysiological condition, especially in cases of inexperienced pilots. The presented study deals with the influence of cockpit ergonomics change on the performance and pilot workload during a training course. We divided 20 subjects with no previous practical flying experience into two training groups (Gr. A and Gr. B). The flight training was focused on acquisition of basic piloting skills where both groups experienced cockpit ergonomics change in different training phases. The performance (piloting precision) was assessed based on deviations from predetermined parameters of the monitored flight manoeuvres. Heart rate variability qualified the extent of workload. The study showed the influence of the cockpit arrangement on piloting precision, where the transition to other type of cockpit ergonomics did not influence pilots' subjective workload with statistical significance.

Článek v periodiku excerpovaném SCI Expanded

2020, Transportation Research Procedia, Linz, Elsevier BV), p. 243-251), ISSN 2352-1465

Air traffic controllers (ATCOs) are exposed to high workload even during routine operations. Their job carries a lot of responsibility and consists of complex tasks. In order to enhance high safety standards, a systematic evaluation of workload levels is required. This study explores an objective measurement of workload. Heart activity of ATCOs was monitored in order to indicate psychological status of ATCOs while being exposed to different levels of workload - in terms of changing traffic loads and airspace complexity. A standard method was used for the evaluation of heart activity. This method includes the frequency analysis in context of heart rate variability; time intervals of consecutive R waves in the heart activity record are assessed. The evaluation of the ratio of power in the low-frequency and high-frequency bands (indicator of sympathovagal balance) as well as parameters derived from fluctuation analysis were used. The results indicated that parameters of heart rate variability based on spectral analysis were significant in case of workload evaluation.

Stať ve sborníku z prestižní konf. (Scopus)

2018, MAD - Magazine of Aviation Development, 6 (4), p. 52-56), ISSN 1805-7578

The rapid airline growth in recent years sparked debates about global pilot shortage. Interest of talented individuals to join the aviation industry may be affected by unstable remuneration and rising cost of training. This article evaluates pilots supply and demand. The cost of initial pilot training is compared between 2007 and 2017. The airline industry growth in the last decade is described and collated with evolution of labor cost and pilots’ pay. Increasing pilot demand puts pressure on efficiency of training. Current training methods are reviewed. A development of new strategies is suggested in order to meet airline industry needs.

Článek v odborném recenzovaném periodiku cizojazyčně

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

The objective of this study is to explore the need for implementation of evidence - based practice in initial pilot training programs. Such programs are primarily designed to meet regulatory requirements. The training is focused on fulfilling these requirements rather than on acquiring competences. This study evaluates effectiveness of theoretical knowledge instruction, and looks for data that can support evidence - based training. Small scope analyses of training records and test reports have been performed, and several areas where new - hire pilots underperform have been identified. This leads to a conclusion that evidence - based training may facilitate pilot transition from training environment to commercial airline flying. Further research is required before any changes to training syllabi can be made.

Stať ve sborníku z mezinár. konf. cizojazyčně

2016, Journal Of Global Science, 1 (1), ISSN 2453-756X

European aviation regulations have changed significantly over the past two decades. We summarized the regulations development and addressed its impact on operating procedures design in commercial air transport operations. One of the major negative consequences is a need to constantly update operations manuals. This creates challenges to the front-line staff as updates and revisions may be hard to follow. Pilots, cabin crew, dispatchers or agents who do not follow or are not aware of the latest operating procedures impose a safety hazard. We analyzed several operating procedures. Operating procedures must not only comply with current regulations; they also must be easy to understand and follow by their users. We are developing practices for more user-friendly design of Operations Manuals.

Článek v odborném recenzovaném periodiku