Flight Simulator Evaluation of a Novel Display to Minimize the Risks of Spatial Disorientation

A novel instrument display designed to reduce cognitive workload and improve accuracy of flight and recovery from a disorienting episode was tested against flight with standard instruments in a UH-60 dynamic helicopter simulator. Sixteen non-UH-60 rated pilots flew a standard instrument profile and recovered from a series of unusual attitudes both with and without a secondary task. Results from all aspects of the assessment proved the benefits of the new display. Not only was there evidence of enhanced flight control, but also an improved performance on a secondary task (auditory tone identification), and reduced control input errors. Evidence from analysis of the secondary task scores showed that cognitive workload was reduced when using the novel display compared to the standard instruments. The display should be further developed to make it possible to utilize it in a head-up display or other night vision device. It should also be developed to include the capability to display hover information and an instrument landing system. Future testing should be carried out in real flight.Army Aeromedical Research Lab Fort Rucker Al is the author of 'Flight Simulator Evaluation of a Novel Display to Minimize the Risks of Spatial Disorientation', published 1997 under ISBN 9781423567134 and ISBN 1423567137.