An Experimental Study of the Effect of Out-of-the-Window Cues on Training Novice Pilots on a Flight Simulator

Abstract

Two experiments examined the effects of using out-of-the-window visual cues for training novice pilots to fly two different maneuvers. Visual cues for both experiments consisted of visual hoops on the flight path through which the pilot was to fly if proper parameters were maintained. After training, participants flew a similar but more challenging task without the presence of visual cues. The first experiment examined the use of visual cues vs. no visual cues for training a straight-in-landing approach. There was no statistical difference between the groups on either mean error in alignment or glide slope. The second experiment examined the use of visual cues as well as density of visual cues in training a level 360° turn. In addition, some training flights were flown with the visual cues present while others were flown without the visual cue. Those participants who trained with a lower density of cues performed significantly better than those who trained with no visual cues. The use of visual cues in training novice pilots to fly basic maneuvers is briefly discussed.