| Abstrakt: |
BACKGROUND: Pilots undergoing coordinated flight turns or centrifugation, whilst devoid of visual cues, exhibit substantial interindividual variation in their perception of roll tilt. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether, and to what extent, specific perceptual and cognitive abilities can account for this inter-individual variability. METHODS: Twelve experienced fixed-wing pilots were subjected to centrifuge tests on two separate occasions, with a six-month interval between them. The subjective visual horizon (SVH) was measured in darkness using an adjustable luminous line during three 6-minute centrifuge runs, each involving different roll tilts: 25° (1.1 G), 56° (1.8 G), and 66° (2.5 G). Initial and final SVH settings were recorded for each G plateau. During the second occasion, the SVH settings were temporarily interrupted at each plateau (visual distraction task). In addition, verbal estimations of experienced G loads were provided by the pilots. After the centrifuge tests, 1-g environment, the pilots were questioned about the relationship between G load and roll tilt, and they were asked to adjust the luminous line so that its slope corresponded with specified angles. RESULTS: The pilots underestimated their roll tilt throughout each G plateau, average SVH being 4° to 28° less than the actual roll angle at the different G loads. The visual distraction task did not affect the SVH settings. A multiple regression analysis indicated that the chain of tested capacities - perception of G load, knowledge of relation between G load and bank angle, accuracy when indicating angles in 1 g - significantly contributed to the SVH. DISCUSSION: Thus, the tested chain of skills appears to influence the pilots' ability to assess the degree of roll tilt during simulated coordinated flight turns. Notwithstanding, SVH was typically markedly smaller than predictions based on the specific abilities. Presumably, SVH is also dependent on subconscious processing, linking the sensation of bodily weight to a visually imagined horizon. Learning Objectives 1. Participants will gain insight into the role of the vestibular system in pilots' perception of roll tilt during coordinated flight turns and centrifugation, and how it interfaces with cognitive processes, shedding light on the complexities of pilot perception. 2. Participants will understand the challenges posed by the nonlinear relationship between G load and bank angle perception, and how the brain's reliance on otolith information for spatial orientation can affect pilots' ability to accurately estimate roll tilt, highlighting the need for potential training regimens to improve this capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
