Comparison of In-Flight and Post-Flight Use of NASA-TLX

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of airborne assignment of NASA-TLX scores. A total of 21 participants flew two simulated flying missions. In both missions, the participants’ task was to fly an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, followed by a stabilized climbing turn maneuver. In one mission, the participants evaluated their mental workload on the ILS approach and assigned the NASA-TLX scores during the climbing turn maneuver. In the other mission, the same tasks were conducted after the simulated flying task. The participants’ NASA-TLX scores and flying performance between missions were compared. There was no significant difference in the participants’ flying performance between missions. There were no significant differences in either NASA-TLX scores or overall indices between two missions.