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This research examines how pilots sustain Cognitive Resilience (CR) in increasingly automated cockpit environments and seeks to support clearer, evidence-informed understanding of this capability. Through the development of the Crew Cognitive Resilience Index (CCRI™), the project aims to provide a structured framework for studying how situational awareness, decision accuracy, and adaptive performance are maintained when automation becomes degraded or uncertain.

By combining empirical investigation with systems-theoretic analysis, including Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA), the research contributes to resilience engineering and aviation human factors by framing pilot performance as an emergent property of the wider socio-technical system. Its longer-term value lies in informing future thinking on training design, safety assurance, and human-centred automation – supporting flight operations that strengthen, rather than displace, human cognitive capability.

Engagement with Airline Training Departments Invited

Airline training departments and flight training organisations are invited to engage in dialogue around the evolving challenges of cognitive resilience in highly automated flight operations. This research is particularly interested in perspectives on training philosophy, operational complexity, and the preparation of crews for non-routine and ambiguous scenarios.

At this stage, engagement is limited to conceptual discussion, reflective input, and exploration of potential alignment with future research phases.

Organisations interested in contributing a perspective or exploring future collaboration are encouraged to contact us by commenting or reaching out.