Fighter pilots struggle to judge aircraft tilt, study reveals training gap
A new study found that combat pilots significantly underestimate their aircraft's roll angle during high-G turns, and this varies wildly between individuals. The research suggests pilot training programs may need to focus more on spatial awareness, with implications for flight safety protocols and simulator design.
Originaltitel: Factors of significance for the ability of fighter pilots to visually indicate the magnitude of roll tilt during simulated turns in a centrifuge
<p>During coordinated flight and centrifugation, pilots show interindividual variability in perceived roll tilt. The study explored how this variability is related to perceptual and cognitive functions. Twelve pilots underwent three 6-min centrifugations on two occasions (G levels: 1.1G, 1.8G, and 2.5G; gondola tilts: 25°, 56°, and 66°). The subjective visual horizontal (SVH) was measured with an adjustable luminous line and the pilots gave estimates of experienced G level. Afterward, they were interrogated regarding the relationship between G level and roll tilt and adjusted the line to numerically mentioned angles. Generally, the roll tilt during centrifugation was underestimated, and there was a large interindividual variability. Both knowledge on the relationship between G level and bank angle, and ability to adjust the line according to given angles contributed to the prediction of SVH in a multiple regression model. However, in most cases, SVH was substantial smaller than predictions based on specific abilities.</p>