Eye Movement Patterns Under Exposure to Spatial Disorientation Illusions During Simulated Flight

Area of Science:

• Aviation Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Spatial disorientation (SD) is a significant factor in aviation accidents, often caused by misinterpretation of sensory cues.
• Current methods lack objective tools to detect SD in real-time.
• Understanding eye movement patterns could provide insights into SD mitigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific eye movement patterns correlated with spatial disorientation (SD) events.
• To differentiate these patterns based on the type of sensory illusion (vestibular vs. visual).
• To inform the development of objective SD detection and prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Eye movements of 45 participants were recorded in a specialized flight simulator inducing SD.
• Gaze metrics (fixations, saccades, visits) were analyzed and compared between participants who experienced SD and those who did not.
• Statistical analyses identified significant differences in eye movement patterns during visual and vestibular illusions.

Main Results:

• 48% of flight profiles resulted in recorded SD events.
• During visual illusions, frequent instrument panel checks correlated with a higher likelihood of avoiding SD.
• During vestibular illusions, increased head-up display (HUD) examination correlated with a lower probability of SD occurrence.

Conclusions:

• Effective SD mitigation requires tailored eye movement strategies depending on the illusion type.
• Training should emphasize instrument panel focus for visual illusions and HUD engagement for vestibular illusions.
• Findings support the development of real-time SD alert systems and improved pilot training programs.