Active Control versus Passive Observation in a Simulated Flight Task

Abstract

A study was conducted examining the effects of active control versus passive observation on the detection of changes in orientation in a simulated flight task. The subjects' task was either to fly through a simulated world by visual reference or to observe trials previously flown by another subject. During each trial the screen would go blank simulating flight into clouds. Following the blackout, subjects were required to correct any unexpected changes in orientation made during the blackout. These changes were equally divided between changes in pitch, roll, and translation along the line of sight. Furthermore, these changes were made in a direction that was either consistent or inconsistent with the direction of motion prior to the blackout onset. Although active controllers were more accurate than passive observers, these effects are mediated by the duration of blackouts, the type of change, and the consistency of changes. In particular, active observers were best at detecting changes that were relevant to the flight control task.