A Neuroergonomics Mirror-Based Platform to Mitigate Cognitive Impairments in Fighter Pilots

The constant needs to recruit and retain professional fighter pilots has been advocated by the rising trend of pilot age related cognitive impairments, pilot shortages and the continuous struggle to retain pilots is likely to get worse in the coming years. This crisis requires immediate actions and must be addressed by recruiting more pilots and by offering incentives to retain available pilots. The present investigation aims to address this problem with the introduction of a prevention strategy to ensure continued service of aging pilots. The continuous interaction between pilot, the flight information system, and the environment, have been recognized to affect pilot’s performance and error potentially hindering the safety of the aircraft. The research direction undertaken is intended to provide pilots with cognitive stimulation to raise flight safety levels and maintain flying skills proficiency. For this purpose, a novel neuron-based mirror platform has been proposed enabling understanding of another pilot’s actions and purposes behind pre-activated targeted responses from motorial cognitive domains. The study extends the application of mechanisms involved of mirror activation by combining a cognitive architecture for generating neuroergonomics mapping (NMP) programs. This interaction will enable pilots to develop learning experience based on observation and synchronized movements. NMP programs would also be tailored to ground-based training systems to enhance tactical air combat manoeuvring for active-duty fighter pilots.