The usefulness of subjective task load assessment methods for predicting pilot task load in general aviation organizations

Purpose: The research aimed to verify the usefulness of selected subjective methods of task load assessment for evaluating task load in general aviation organizations and forecasting pre-flight load. The study also highlighted the importance of the pilot's task load in the context of flight safety. Design/methodology/approach: The study included a comprehensive literature review to present the specifics of general aviation organization and the role of the human factor in aviation accidents. The research discussed the division of task load methods and characterized four selected subjective task load methods (NASA-TLX, SWAT, ISA, Bedford Scale). Expert assessments were conducted to evaluate these methods' effectiveness from the perspective of post-flight load assessment and pre-flight load prediction, considering the feasibility of implementation in general aviation organizations. Findings: The findings emphasized the need to develop a dedicated method for predicting task load before a flight. The study concluded that the methods used should be simple and require minimal financial outlay, considering the specificity of general aviation organizations. Research limitations/implications: Future research should focus on developing a dedicated pre-flight task load prediction method tailored to the unique requirements of general aviation. Identified limitations include the need for further validation of the subjective methods in different organizational contexts. Practical implications: The research suggests that implementing simple and cost-effective task load assessment methods can enhance flight safety in general aviation. The development of a specialized pre-flight load prediction tool could significantly improve operational planning and pilot performance. Social implications: By improving task load assessment and prediction in general aviation, the research can contribute to enhanced flight safety, thereby potentially reducing accident rates and improving public trust in aviation safety measures. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the field by addressing the gap in pre-flight task load prediction in general aviation. It provides valuable insights for aviation safety researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in optimizing pilot performance and ensuring flight safety.