The NASA MATB-II predicts prospective memory performance during complex simulated flight

Prospective memory is essential for flight, where failures can result in incorrect flight control settings, leading to loss of life and equipment. Furthermore, prospective memory is highly-sensitive to pilot age, cognition, and experience. This research reports on the relation of the NASA Multi-Attribute Test Battery-II (MATB-II) to prospective memory during simulated VFR flight (N=51). Prospective memory was indexed with specialized radio calls that were associated with non-focal visual cues. Linear regression models examined the relative association of MATB-II variables to prospective memory in low and high workloads. System monitoring, psychomotor tracking, and resource management, generally at higher difficulty levels, were the variables most predictive of prospective memory, r2 =0.41. Pilot experience improved the model in the high workload condition. Estimating risk for prospective memory failures via multitasking ability, with a focus on monitoring tasks, may inform cognitive assessment approaches to enhance aviation safety