The Impact of Reduced Vision on Simulated Flight Performance in Novice Pilots: Toward Establishing Performance-Based...

Area of Science:

• Aviation Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Pilot visual standards are critical but may affect candidate pools and retention.
• Limited research exists on how vision impacts pilot performance.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding vision's role in aviation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of simulated visual degradation on pilot performance.
• To evaluate changes in perceived stress and task difficulty with reduced vision.
• To inform potential revisions of pilot visual standards.

Main Methods:

• Twenty novice pilots (0-300 flight hours) performed simulated flight tasks (landing, circuit) using an ALSIM AL250.
• Visual acuity (VA) was degraded from 6/6 (20/20) to 6/60, including a no-vision condition.
• Flight performance (vertical speed, altitude, attitude) and subjective stress/difficulty were measured.

Main Results:

• Vision degradation down to 6/60 did not significantly impair landing or circuit performance.
• Complete vision loss led to a loss of aircraft control.
• Perceived stress and task difficulty increased as visual acuity decreased.

Conclusions:

• Novice pilots can maintain simulated flight control with visual acuity as low as 6/60.
• Total blindness in simulated flight results in immediate loss of control.
• Reduced vision increases pilot stress and perceived difficulty, suggesting a need to re-evaluate current visual standards.