Flying is a multitasking and complex activity that requires high working memory, mental flexibility
and inhibition abilities 1. It is now well admitted that stressors (eg. fatigue, psychological
stress) can impair this executive functioning to an extent that pilots fail to face task demands
and to adapt to external contingencies 1–[4]. Several solutions ranging from adaptive automation
to the design of cognitive countermeasures have been successfully implemented [5]–[7]. A complementary
approach is to consider the use of preventive approaches such as the neurofeedback
technique. Indeed, neurofeedback allows displaying online cerebral activity using brain imaging
techniques (e.g., EEG, fNIRS, fMRI) in order to teach self-regulation of brain functioning [8], [9].
Recent studies have highlighted that neurofeedback training is particularly relevant to improve
performance in controlled settings [10], [11], but also in more ecological contexts [12], [13]. In
addition, it has been shown that frontal-medial theta [4-8] Hz, which is regarded as the “working
language” for neural communication of executive functioning can improve basic executive functions
[14] . Consequently, we assume that training pilots in order to increase their theta activity
in the fronto-medial cortex will help them perform better in tasks involving executive functions
