The effects of light and noise levels and task types on the visual cognitive load of pilots

Many environmental factors affect the cognitive load of pilots during flights. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of light, noise, and task type on the visual cognitive load of pilots performing cockpit head-up display (HUD) tasks. The researchers recruited 20 participants for eye-tracking experiments and electroencephalography (EEG) experiments. During the experiments, participants completed two tasks (static search and dynamic flight) under three light levels (1, 100, and 200 lx) and three noise levels (55, 85, and 100 dB(A)). The task accuracy, task time, seven eye movements, and the mean amplitudes of the N2 and P3 components of the EEG event-related potentials were recorded. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the visual cognitive load and the EEG fluctuations. The results showed that the participants' performance was impaired at a light level of 200 lx and a noise level of 100 dB(A). Their cognitive efficiency was the highest at a light level of 100 lx and a noise level of 55 dB(A). The cognitive load was higher during the dynamic flight task than during the static search.