The CESDA Research Group focuses on research in the field of aviation, particularly in pilot training, human factors, instructional methodologies, and air safety. The group combines a strong academic knowledge with professional experience, enabling the exploration of innovative approaches to pilot education and actively contributing through collaborations, publications, and participation in conferences.
In our publications, we prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on high-impact journals in the fields of aviation and pilot education.
"We found that the use of VRFS and FSTD increases arousal and workload levels in student pilots. Additionally, we observed that student pilots experienced higher arousal and workload in the FSTD than in the VRFS"
"Our findings suggest that a key factor influencing the effects of central bank transparency is the relative importance placed by the central bank, compared to the government, on output stabilization versus inflation stabilization"
"Teachers need to be able to apply different criteria when forming heterogeneous groups of students" ... "We have created an approach based on complex network theory to design an algorithm "..." in order to form these heterogeneous groups more effectively"
"The study indicates that high levels of stress are related to high performance at high levels of demand. We also observe that students (although they may perform well on the session as a whole) poorly performed a highly demanding task, during which they showed low levels of stress"
"A harsh-environment-resistant, fiber-coupled, surface sensor for monitoring the structural phase of water (liquid-supercooled-solid), as well as the type of ice microstructure (clear rime), is shown." ... "first experimental tests both in optical laboratory and in icing wind tunnel inflight aircraft simulation tests are reported"
"Crosswinds are usually a limiting factor for the normal operation of small size aircraft near an airport, and
one of the first causes of weather related accidents. This paper presents a statistical downscaling model that provides a 24 h wind forecast at Reus airport"
"The two students who participated in this project applied the knowledge acquired throughout their training as Aviation Pilots, to design, develop, build, and test in a simulator, a mechatronic device to facilitate flight for general aviation pilots with reduced mobility without the need for adaptations in the aircraft. The prototype was called HOTAS-DLP"
Our research is directly applied to the functioning of the university center and is shared at international conferences in the aeronautical and educational sector. Through this knowledge transfer, we contribute to operational excellence and the comprehensive training of future aviation professionals.
We use virtual reality to enhance active learning and safe pilot training through repeatable simulations of maneuvers such as first flight, emergency procedures, or crew coordination.Publications: 1 article published in IJHCI (2025), 1 under review.
Conferences: 3 international conferences (EATS2021, CUICIID2021, EATS2023, INTED2023).
We explore practical alternatives to reduce emissions in general aviation by adapting an existing engine to hydrogen technology, leveraging the rise of sustainable fuels.
We assess the stress levels and lifestyles of future pilots to analyse their impact on cardiovascular health and help prevent risks such as sudden incapacitation caused by work-related stress.
Publications: 1 article published in IJAP (2021), 1 currently being drafted.
Critically and interdisciplinarily analyze the representation of women in institutional, educational, and media communication within the aeronautics sector, aiming to promote more inclusive, equitable, and socially relevant practices.
Conferences: 1 international conference (EDULEARN2024).
Improving flight school safety with a custom real-time aircraft tracking system that also collects multiple data types from each flight.
We analyse how skills such as attention and reading comprehension influence the resolution of STEM problems contextualised in aviation, aiming to improve pilot training.
Conferences: 1 international conference (INTED2025).
To practice flight crew coordination, the pilot degree includes many group projects. Here we develop an automatic tool, based on complex network science, that optimizes the composition of heterogeneous groups.
Publications: 1 article published in PLOSONE (2023), 1 currently being drafted.
Conferences: 2 international conferences (CIDUI2023, INTED2025).
