[Development of spatial orientation during pilot training]

Area of Science:

• Aviation Medicine
• Human Factors
• Neuroscience

Context:

• High-altitude aircraft operations present significant spatial orientation challenges.
• Accidents linked to spatial disorientation underscore the need for research.
• Current research often overlooks the sensorimotor component in spatial orientation.

Purpose:

• To explore the evolution of spatial perception with increasing pilot experience.
• To propose a concept where spatial orientation shifts towards a geocentric model.
• To investigate the role of motor activity and task complexity in spatial perception.

Summary:

• Spatial orientation in pilots evolves with experience, shifting to a geocentric model.
• This shift is driven by the development of new instrumental motor activities.
• Pilots develop a new perceptual system integrating instrumental and non-instrumental cues.

Impact:

• Enhances understanding of pilot spatial cognition.
• Informs the design of aviation training and cockpit interfaces.
• Potentially reduces flight accidents caused by spatial disorientation.