Decision Processes in the Adaptive Behavior of Human Controllers

A decision algorithm which simulates the rapid adaptive behavior of human controllers following sudden changes in plant dynamics is developed. The control of a VTOL aircraft in hover following failure of the stability augmentation system is used as a specific example. The decision algorithm is based on the assumption that the human controller recognizes certain pattern features in the error/error-rate phase plane. Experimental data, obtained from pilots facing four possible alternatives following the time of failure, are presented. The proposed decision algorithm is developed, and digital simulation results are discussed. A theoretical justification for the algorithm, based on statistical decision theory, is presented in the Appendix.