User Survey of Peripheral Vision-Restricting Devices

Abstract

Abstract : For decades, civilian and military flight trainers have used peripheral vision-restricting devices (PVRDs) in order to enhance instrument flight training that was performed during periods of visual meteorological conditions (outside of clouds). In addition to limiting a pilot's view only to the primary flight instruments, PVRDs also cause the artificial exclusion of the full cockpit environment, i.e., overhead switches and gauges, and those on the center and opposite-pilot side of the instrument panel. There seems to be a general reluctance by Army aviators to wear PVRDs. Anecdotal information suggests that the restrictions and loss of peripheral information and spatial orientation due to PVRD use may cause adverse physiological and psychological effects, including loss of situational awareness and spatial disorientation. An extensive search for relevant literature and research produced no indications of any previous studies regarding the effects of PVRDs. The purposes of the survey were: 1) to collect the much-needed basic information in order to achieve an understanding of the extent of peripheral vision-restricting device use and their adverse effects, if any (real and/or perceived), on aviator training and proficiency, and 2) to use the data to determine if any further research into the effects and use of PVRDs is warranted. The results of this user survey identified which devices are being used and which are preferred, and provided an idea of their acceptability and apparent importance based on the opinions of a sample of the user community. Most importantly, these results indicate that there may be adverse effects associated with the use of PVRDs. It is recommended that future research be conducted during flight (actual or simulated) that evaluates different types of PVRDs as to their effectiveness as a training aid and their performance in minimizing the adverse effects identified in this survey.