Mapping Multimodal Pilot Stress and Fatigue During Flight Sessions

Abstract

This study analyzes patterns of stress and exhaustion among student pilots throughout flight training using a combination of physiological and self-reported measurements. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used to measure perceived stress and exhaustion before and after each flight, while physiological data, including heart rate (HR), electrodermal activity (EDA), skin temperature, and acceleration, were continuously recorded during flight sessions. To identify recurring patterns in arousal and workload, physiological signals were preprocessed and analyzed across the flight stages. The findings indicate a buildup of workload-related weariness over time, as evidenced by steady increases in EDA and skin temperature across flights, as well as post-flight increases in self-reported exhaustion. Heart rate responses were more event-specific, with brief spikes during high-demand phases of flight. Overall, the findings demonstrate the value of combining physiological signals with subjective reports to identify patterns of stress and fatigue during real-world flight training and highlight the potential of data-driven approaches for monitoring pilot well-being.