PILOT DECISION-MAKING UNDER HIGH WORKLOAD: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF HUMAN FACTORS IN AVIATION SAFETY

This study examines the cognitive processes and decision-making patterns of commercial pilots during high-workload flight scenarios. Using a mixed-methods approach combining eye-tracking, physiological measurements, and simulator-based performance data, we analyzed decision-making performance in 45 experienced pilots across various challenging conditions. Our findings reveal significant correlations between cognitive workload, attention allocation patterns, and decision quality. Pilots demonstrated adaptive strategies for information prioritization, though experience level showed moderating effects on performance degradation. These results have important implications for pilot training programs, aircraft design, and aviation safety management systems. The study contributes to understanding human factors in aviation safety and provides evidence-based recommendations for enhancing pilot performance under stress.