[Statokinesiometric assessment of equilibrium system function in military pilots subjected to angular accelerations]

Evaluation of military flight personnel is of paramount importance in categories both flight safety and combat effectiveness. Assessment of equilibrium system in military pilots is very important part of fitness to fly evaluation. One of the assessment methods is statokinesiometry which can be used complementary to standard ENT evaluation methods.

18 instructor pilots volunteered to take part in experiment. Age of participants was in range 22 to 47 years (mean 31 +/- 7.78), flight experience (240-4300 flying hours, mean 1408.13 +/-1054 h). All participants had current fitness to fly certificate. Each of participants underwent three expositions on GYRO Instrumental Physiological Trainer and consecutive statokinesiometric assessment in three conditions: "eye open" and "eye closed".

Analysis of recorded parameters revealed individual variations in vestibular organ sensitivity. Capacity of vestibular system to cope an adapt to accelerations evoked in conditions similar to real flight is considered as important factor determining spatial disorientation susceptibility.

Therefore it can be used as determinant whether certain individual is capable to perform military flight duties. Proposed method allows for objective and precise assessment of these qualities. Results obtained can be used as an objective complementation to flight personnel training efficiency assessment with use of aviation simulators.