title: Helicopter pilot scan techniques during low-altitude high-speed flight.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examined pilots' visual scan patterns during a simulated high-speed, low-level flight and how their scan rates related to flight performance. As helicopters become faster and more agile, pilots are expected to navigate at low altitudes while traveling at high speeds. A pilot's ability to interpret information from a combination of visual sources determines not only mission success, but also aircraft and crew survival.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a fixed-base helicopter simulator modeled after the U.S. Navy's MH-60S, 17 active-duty Navy helicopter pilots with varying total flight times flew and navigated through a simulated southern Californian desert course. Pilots' scan rate and fixation locations were monitored using an eye-tracking system while they flew through the course. Flight parameters, including altitude, were recorded using the simulator's recording system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Experienced pilots with more than 1000 total flight hours better maintained a constant altitude (mean altitude deviation = 48.52 ft, SD = 31.78) than less experienced pilots (mean altitude deviation = 73.03 ft, SD = 10.61) and differed in some aspects of their visual scans. They spent more time looking at the instrument display and less time looking out the window (OTW) than less experienced pilots. Looking OTW was associated with less consistency in maintaining altitude.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results may aid training effectiveness specific to helicopter aviation, particularly in high-speed low-level flight conditions.
authors.forename: Christopher E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Kirby
authors.forename: Quinn
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: Ji Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention; D001359:Aviation; D001364:Awareness; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005133:Eye Movements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D011361:Professional Competence; D014481:United States