Pilot's ground-based spatial disorientation training and its reference values of response

Abstract

Objective To validate the feasibility of applying ground-based spatial disorientation training scenarios to aeromedical training of Chinese military pilots and to provide reference values for assessing its effects. Methods Eighty healthy pilots performed ground-based spatial disorientation training on the basic of previously established aeromedical training profiles of Chinese Air Force and the scenarios applied by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) were referenced. Somatogyral illusion and Coriolis illusion were induced by VTS-0 type electric rotating chair, while circular vection and autokinetic illusion were induced by VTS-Ⅲ type vestibular function examination system. During the illusion demonstrations, the response parameters of illusion, including the latent period and the duration of induced illusions were recorded. Results The induced rate of somatogyral illusion, Coriolis illusion, circular vection and autokinetic illusion was 100.0%, 90.7%, 72.50% and 49.2% respectively. The induce rate of vestibular illusions was higher than that of visual illusions (χ2=5.01, P<0.05). The duration of somatogyral illusion, Coriolis illusion (rolling sensation) and Coriolis illusion (tumbling sensation) was (8.4±4.5) s, (4.9±2.3) s and (5.4±3.0) s respectively, while the latent period of circular vection and autokinetic illusion was (34.8±19.0) s and (42.8±15.2) s respectively. The response reference value corresponding to the duration of somatogyral illusion, Coriolis illusion (rolling sensation) and Coriolis illusion (tumbling sensation) was respectively not more than 17.4 s, 11.4 s and between 0.3 and 9.5 s, while the response reference value for the latent period of circular vection and autokinetic illusion was respectively not more than 72.8 s and within the range from 12.4 to 73.2 s. Conclusions Somatogyral illusion, Coriolis illusion, circular vection and autokinetic illusion training scenarios can be demonstrated by the existing ground-based training devices of Chinese military pilots and the training is feasible and effective for aeromedical training of Chinese military pilots. We hope that response reference values can be used in assessing the effect of ground-based spatial disorientation training. Key words: Illusions; Vestibule; Reaction time; Coriolis force; Reference value