Field of View Effects on Pilot Performance in Flight

Abstract

For flight training, head-worn displays represent low-cost, wide field of regard, deployable systems when compared to traditional simulation facilities. However, current head-worn systems provide limited effective fields of view. Wide field of view alternatives promise to increase transfer of training effectiveness through enhanced situation awareness. To test this proposition, this experiment manipulated the pilot's effective field of view and examined subsequent flight performance, which was measured primarily by runway alignment error and vertical track error. Results indicated a significant and quantifiable change in visual scan pattern, head movement, and flight control performance as the effective field of view was sequentially decreased. As field of view decreased, the average visual scan pattern changed to focus less out the window and more on the instruments inside the cockpit. The head range of movement significantly increased below an 80° horizontal × 54° vertical effective field of view as well as significantly decreasing runway alignment and vertical track performance, which occurred below 120° horizontal × 81° vertical effective field of view.