Helicopter Crew Evaluations on the Effects of Vibration on Performance

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to determine the subjectively experienced differences in vibration levels between helicopter models and to determine the conditions of maximum subjective fatigue experienced during actual helicopter operations. Subjective data were obtained from 12 experienced helicopter crewmembers assigned to flight test duties. Evaluated concurrently, it was hypothesized that these independent evaluations would provide preliminary data on the effects of vibration on performance. Analysis of the data indicated that the subjectively observed effects of vibration could be divided into two categories:

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Direct mechanical interference with imposed immediate performance decrements, and

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Fatigue effects which were not apparent until after at least 6 hours of continuous operation.

The experienced differences would not be predicted by the current ISO standard 2631.

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