Visual Illusions in Aviation: Simulating the Black Hole Phenomenon

ObjectiveThe aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Transport Canada Level 2 Instrument Proficiency Check Flight Training Device to elicit the disorientation caused by the black hole illusion. To evaluate the role of gender, we measured the relative susceptibility of men and women.BackgroundSpatial disorientation is a well-known causative factor in aviation mishaps. However, there is no simulation-based training protocol for visual illusions that cause spatial disorientation.MethodWe simulated an approach-and-land scenario using an ALSIM simulator. Trainee pilots were instructed to maintain a 3° approach and land the aircraft under conditions with (nighttime) and without (daytime) the black hole illusion. We computed altitude errors by differencing the daytime and nighttime flight paths. Glideslope errors were calculated as deviations from the 3° approach. To assess the contribution of spatial abilities, participants completed a mental rotation test.ResultsMost pilots showed a shallow final approach during night flight relative to day flights. The pilots who experienced the illusion had lower mental rotation scores than those who did not. Men had higher mental rotation scores, on average, than women, and showed less negative altitude and glideslope errors in the night relative to day conditions. These errors were not mitigated by flight experience.ConclusionWe reproduced the effects of the black hole illusion in a relatively low-cost aviation simulator. Gender and mental rotation skills were factors in black hole disorientation.ApplicationIt is feasible to implement simulated visual illusion scenarios in aviation training. It is important to consider gender in designing and assessing flight scenarios.