Correlations between visual test results and flying performance on the advanced simulator for pilot training (ASPT)

Area of Science:

• Aviation Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering
• Visual Perception

Background:

• Pilot selection and training rely on identifying individuals with optimal visual and performance capabilities.
• Understanding the relationship between specific visual functions and actual flight performance is crucial for effective training and assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate visual differences among pilots and their correlation with flying performance, particularly in low-visibility landing scenarios.
• To identify which visual tests best predict pilot performance and differentiate between various flying groups.

Main Methods:

• Tested five groups: student pilots, graduating students, instructors, nonpilot aircrew, and civilians.
• Assessed low-visibility landing performance using the Air Force Human Resources Laboratory ASPT simulator, measuring crashes and runway distance.
• Compared 13 visual tests, including tracking tasks (size change, sideways motion) and psychophysical thresholds (motion, contrast).

Main Results:

• For student pilots, landing performance strongly correlated with tracking performance for targets changing size and moving sideways.
• Visual tracking tests distinguished between flying and nonflying groups, while visual threshold tests showed weaker differentiation.
• Sideways-motion tracking was sensitive enough to differentiate between various flying groups.

Conclusions:

• Visual tracking abilities, especially for dynamic stimuli, are better predictors of pilot landing performance than basic visual thresholds.
• Specific visual tracking tasks can effectively differentiate between pilots of varying experience levels and non-flying individuals.
• These findings support the use of advanced visual tracking tests in pilot selection and training programs.