Empirical Workload and Communications Analysis of Scout Helicopter Exercises

The objective was to find independent real-world data to validate results of paper-and-pencil analyses predicting workload savings by automating functions in an advanced scout-attack helicopter. Videotapes existed that had captured cockpit activities during force-on-force exercises. The videotapes were analyzed to determine the relative workload contribution of communications and crew station activities for the pilot and copilot observer. The findings indicated search activity was the single most time consuming mission-related function other than flying the aircraft. Further, data entry required a crewmember's undivided attention; therefore automated communications should consider the implications of manual data entry which may increase rather than decrease workload.