How a cognitive tutor can improve pilot knowledge of mode transitions

Abstract

The behavior of a modern autopilot is governed by a set of rules. Several researchers have demonstrated that pilots have gaps in their knowledge of these rules and have difficulty explaining and predicting the behavior of the autopilot. Apart from the absence of training and cockpit annunciations, natural cognitive mechanisms cause pilots to forget (due to infrequent use) and simplify (due to similarities) the rules of behavior. This paper describes how a cognitive tutor can counteract the cognitive mechanisms that forget conditions and simplify rules.