Psychophysiological Evaluation of an Antidisorientation Training for Visual Flight Rules Pilots in a Moving Base Simulator

Abstract

Spatial disorientation following inadvertent flight from visual into instrument meteorological conditions is a frequent cause of fatal accidents in visual flight rules (VFR) rated pilots. Three groups of VFR pilots who underwent different training conditions were compared in a motion base simulator. Test profiles consisted of a flight in deteriorating weather with the possibility of entering clouds and recovering from unusual attitudes. Flight performance and psychophysiological concomitants of anxiety and stress were recorded. During the final test, the group with specialized antidisorientation training performed better and showed less psychophysiological stress during complex recovery maneuvers compared to the other 2 groups.