Will Explore Concepts And Technology For Crew Capacity, Automation On Commercial Airliners

NASA has selected Rockwell Collins as the lead research firm for its Single Pilot Operation program. The research is exploring concepts and technology for crew capacity, ground support and automation on commercial airliners. 

The contract, which is already in effect, will continue through Sept. 30, 2015, with potential follow-on awards for additional research.

“The aviation industry has been looking at the potential for single-pilot operations for quite some time to address concerns about future pilot shortages, but there are a number of technical, certification, and policy considerations that must be addressed along the way,” said John Borghese, vice president, Advanced Technology Center for Rockwell Collins.  “Social acceptability must also be considered.”

Rockwell Collins and NASA experts are closely working together on the Single Pilot Operation program, researching crew resource management and physiological monitoring technologies.  Rockwell Collins is also conducting cognitive science research with its academic partners on the program, California State University, Long Beach, and the University of Iowa. 

Additionally, Rockwell Collins’ previous research gained during pilot evaluation of crew station workload and advanced decision aids, and the development of Live, Virtual Constructive training with its partners are also being used in this program. 

Borghese added, “NASA research is instrumental in achieving progress toward the end goal of reducing pilot workload in the flight deck.”

(Image provided by Rockwell Collins)

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com, www.nasa.gov