Research Studies

We are embarking on an exciting study aimed at evaluating the usability and effectiveness of two distinct assistive methods in aviation: traditional paper-based instructions versus Augmented Reality (AR)-integrated Head Mounted Displays (HMDs).The aviation field currently lacks comprehensive academic studies on the practical usability of AR technologies, especially when integrated with HMDs, within a general aviation context. Therefore, we are inviting student pilots to participate in our study.

This research involves comparing these two assistive methods through simulated flight procedures using the ALSIM AL250 flight simulator, which also offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with an advanced level flight simulator while contributing to the advancement of aviation training technologies.

Study Overview:
Location: WISA Sim Lab, Room 242, Environment 1 (EV1) Building, University of Waterloo Campus.
Duration: Up to 2 hours.
Remuneration: $15/hour.
Activities: Participants will complete questionnaires before and after engaging in flight procedures with both assistive methods.

Participant Criteria:
Novice pilots with less than or equal to 25 hours of flight experience.
Normal vision and hearing, with no history of cardiovascular or neurological diseases.
No current or recent use of psychoactive substances or medications.
Physical and mental fitness to operate a flight simulator.
Age: Minimum 18 years of age.

The study will commence with an informative briefing to ensure you are fully aware of the study's scope and your role. This will be followed by hands-on training sessions for both the paper-based and AR-integrated HMD techniques. Given that the use of HMDs might be new to many, we will provide thorough demonstrations to ensure comfort and confidence with the technology. Upon completion, participants were asked to fill out post-study questionnaires and answer few interview questions.

Interested in Participating?
If you are interested in being a part of this study, please email us at sa4rizvi@uwaterloo.ca to express your interest and arrange a suitable time for your participation.

We are committed to conducting this study with the highest ethical standards and have received full ethics clearance from the University of Waterloo's Research Ethics Committee. Should you have any questions or require further clarification about any aspect of the study, please do not hesitate to reach out at sa4rizvi@uwaterloo.ca.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to the advancement of aviation training technologies. We look forward to potentially working with you.

The WatVis research group is currently recruiting pilots to participate in a virtual reality (VR) flight performance study. This research aims to understand and enhance pilot behavior and in-flight communication through visual aids in a simulated VR environment.

We are seeking participants who is certified pilots or individuals currently undergoing pilot training with experience in pilot-ATC communications.

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to pilot a virtual plane using a VR headset and engage in various flight communication tasks. This study aims to enhance our understanding of how visual aids can improve ATC communications and pilot performance. The study will be conducted in-person at the University of Waterloo’s DC building (room DC3544). The sessions will be held in-person at the University of Waterloo’s DC building (room DC3544) in August and will last approximately 90 minutes. As a token of appreciation, participants will receive 25 CAD per hour via E-transfer.

Why to participate?

In the complex and high-stakes realm of air traffic control (ATC), clear and effective communication is paramount for flight safety. Misunderstandings in ATC communications are a significant factor in aviation incidents and accidents. By participating in this study, you will contribute to research that aims to integrate visual cues alongside auditory messaging to support existing voice communication channels. Your insights will be invaluable in understanding and enhancing the communication between pilots and controllers, ultimately helping to reduce cognitive load and improve safety in general aviation.

How to Participate? 

If you are interested in participating, kindly complete this Google Form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnvdigFaTw5T6bwhiTjAvUL7svbbzd7BTRYFbagispsOOORg/viewform?usp=sf_link]. A member of our research team will reach out to you with further details. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Theresa Lyu at y32lyu@uwaterloo.ca.

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board (REB #45654). Thank you for your time and interest!

WISA researchers are conducting a study to collect pilot data and build a database to support the development of computational models of pilot performance.

Participants will fly a Cessna 172 aircraft (or similar model) with a flight instructor and perform a list of basic flight tasks including engine start, taxing, normal takeoff, steep turn, stall, circuit, and normal approach and landing. During the flight, researchers will collect data such as flight data recording, video recording, heart rate, skin conductivity, eye movement, and flight instructor assessment.

The study will take about one hour. The researchers will pay for the aircraft rental and instructor fee, and will also remunerate participants for their time with $15 CAD cash. Participation is voluntary and participants can withdraw from the study session without any consequences.

To be eligible for participation, you must be a licensed pilot (e.g., Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License) or a student pilot who has completed the training on the tested flight manoeuvres, engine start, taxiing, normal takeoff, steep turn, stall, circuit, and normal approach and landing. Any decisions to participate or not participate will not affect your status at your organization, and participation is completely voluntary.

If you are interested in participating, or if you have any questions, please contact the research team:

Robin Xu rongbing.xu@uwaterloo.ca (Research Associate)

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through University of Waterloo research Ethics Board.