Simulation Platform for Reduced Crew Operations — A Case Study

The introduction of imaginable future reduced crew operations of airliners requires thorough empirical testing of safety issues in comparison to nowadays modern multi crew operations. In the present case, the future concept of flight operations includes a single-pilot on airside and a human ground-based support component. The allocation of functions from airside to ground varies in the degree of remote control depending on workload and flight phase. A suitable simulation infrastructure is needed to investigate different aspects in operator, team and system performance of the new concept empirically. The exemplary present simulation platform for such research undertakings is composed of several interconnected hard- and software modules. These elements are extended by several functions for remote control to accommodate the requirements for a human-in-the-loop simulation. A case study exemplifies how the simulation platform was used to consider workload and technology acceptance of these two types of crewing during different flight phases. Against this background, the application of hard- and software as well as the reliability of the respective modules is reflected critically.