Training the Powered-Lift Evaluation Pilot

Abstract

This paper focuses on the preparation and training of evaluation pilots during the second of two research studies: Automation Enabled Pilot studies 1 and 2 (AEP-1 and AEP-2). These studies are intended to assess novel aircraft automation concepts for electric powered aircraft equipped with Indirect Flight Control Systems (IFCS) capable of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL). The AEP-1 study importantly introduced the concept of future evaluation methods used in the AEP-1 study for eVTOL equipped with IFCS that are agnostic and cut cross both airworthiness and operational requirements. The AEP-2 study utilized an updated Lift Plus Cruise aircraft model and examined pilot interaction with novel procedures and interfaces. Specifically, it explored challenges related to transitioning from forward flight to landing with an industry representative Urban Air Mobility (UAM) approach procedure, establishing baselines for future automation studies.

Authors

• Loran Haworth San Jose State University
• Michael Feary Ames Research Center
• John Kaneshige Ames Research Center
• Kimberlee Shish Ames Research Center
• Thomas Lombaerts Wyle (United States)
• Kevin Monk Ames Research Center
• Amber Villa Ames Research Center
• Mieczyslaw Steglinski KBR (United States)
• Nelson Iwai Artic Slope Regional Corporation
• John Archdeacon Artic Slope Regional Corporation

Keywords

• AAM
• eVTOL
• human-automation interaction