Helicopter Pilot Scan Techniques During Low-Altitude High-Speed Flight

In this study, active duty military helicopter pilots with varying experience flew and navigated a simulated high speed, low-level course in order to examine visual scan patterns and the effects on flight performance. An eye-tracking system monitored the pilots' scan rate and fixation locations while they flew through the course. Altitude and other flight parameters were recorded. Results showed that pilots with more than 1000 total flight hours maintained a more constant altitude than less experienced pilots. Some aspects of their visual scans also differed. The experienced pilots spent less time looking out the window and more time looking at the instrument panel. Looking out the window correlated with inconsistency in maintaining altitude. Results from this research can be used to increase the effectiveness of training for helicopter pilots who fly in a high speed, low-level environment.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3357/ASEM.3888.2014
• Record URL:
  http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asma/asem/2014/00000085/00000007/art00009
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00956562
• Authors:
  • Kirby, Christopher E
  • Kennedy, Quinn
  • Yang, Ji Hyun
• Publication Date: 2014-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 740-744
• Serial:
  • Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
  • Volume: 85
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association
  • ISSN: 0095-6562
  • Serial URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asma/asem

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Abilities; Altitude; Aviation safety; Eye fixations; Eye location; Helicopter pilots; Visual perception
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01532379
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 2014 9:03AM