Assessment of cognitive decision-making with the use of wearable technology by general aviation pilots conducting pre- and post-flight aircraft inspections

Author

Katherine Leigh Constant-Coup, Mississippi State UniversityFollow

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2096-0804

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Smith, Brian K.

Committee Member

Strawderman, Lesley

Committee Member

Burch, Reuben F.

Committee Member

Ma, Junfeng

Date of Degree

12-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Complete embargo 2 years

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Abstract

The use of electronic devices has grown in varying demographics of aviation pilots over the last 20 years. In the General Aviation (GA) industry, pilots have started to use personal devices like tablet computers as part of their regular flight routines. This dissertation focuses on three specific research questions to determine the significance of technological adoption by GA pilots for defect detection as part of standard inspection protocols. The mixed-studies approach in this dissertation investigates pilots’ perspectives on using electronic devices common to Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), and what level of acceptance the current generation of pilots may have toward wearable technology that may aid in inspections. Additionally, this dissertation explores training needs for GA pilots to adequately adopt proposed technology for improved inspection protocols, as well as improve overall situational awareness. Lastly, this research intends to understand what boundaries there are in terms of visual inspections of GA aircraft by both pilots and Airframe and Propulsion (A&P) mechanics, and how these roles could improve communication of defects and hazards seen in each of their respectable inspection processes. The outcome of this research could lead to informing future policy, design, and training considerations for modern introductions of technology in supporting key aviation safety activities.

Recommended Citation

Constant-Coup, Katherine Leigh, "Assessment of cognitive decision-making with the use of wearable technology by general aviation pilots conducting pre- and post-flight aircraft inspections" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 6388.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6388