Possible dynamic allocation of functions in support of airborne spacing operations.

Abstract : Dynamic function allocation (DFA) refers to systems in which both the user and the system can initiate changes in the level of automation in real time (Scerbo, 2005) in order to reach optimal system performances. Even if this concept seems promising for future systems, the sharing of authority between human and machine remains a major issue. Who should be in charge of DFA triggering? In order to contribute to the elucidation of the problem, an experiment has been conducted at ONERA - the French Aerospace Lab. Two groups of participants were placed in a simplified aircraft cockpit to perform a piloting task featuring an airborne spacing application with conflict avoidance. Our results emphasize the impact of DFA implementation on pilot performances and the particular importance of communication for the acceptability by the pilots of DFA and of the sharing of authority.