Visual elements in flight simulation.

Abstract

Flight simulators have been in use for many years and their value has been amply proven. Many of today's simulators are very expensive, but they can pay for themselves by decreasing cost and increasing safety in training pilots to fly complex and expensive modern aircraft. Some aspects of aircraft control depend on an exterior view from the aircraft to the outside visual world. Training in these aspects of flight in a simulator requires simulation of the visual world to the extent that cues derived from it need to be employed by the pilot. A number of maneuvers cannot be performed without direct visual contact under normal circumstances in commercial as well as in military aviation. The importance of including a simulation of the external world is not acknowledged. Unfortunately, there is currently no solid scientific basis for cataloging visual cues with respect to their importance in aircraft control. This report recommends research topics, techniques, and strategies that should receive more attention.