The present study assesses the innovative concept of empathic
accuracy within a crew-aircraft-system in a realistic approach
scenario. Empathy, one of the key skills of social situation
awareness (SSA), was found to be altered in stressful
situations. Challenging and surprising events lead to a
decrease in empathic accuracy in both pilot flying and pilot
monitoring. Stress therefore significantly impacts SSA and
modifications in training, procedures and system design could
help crews better manage their workload during surprising
and challenging situations, leading to increased empathic
accuracy and better crew interaction.
