PILOT ATTITUDES ON DARK ADAPTATION AND RELATED SUBJECTS
Abstract
The night accident rate for carrier landings is five times the day rate. This raises the possibility that visual errors caused by lack of dark adaptation may be involved. Completed questionaires regarding the importance of being adapted to darkness prior to and during night time aircraft carrier operations were received from 71 experienced naval aviators. Analysis of their responses showed that, generally, their opinion of the usefulness of dark adaptation is an individual matter; if the aviator had never experienced its need, he was less likely to be concerned. The greatest value to an aviator of being adapted to the dark was said to be during pre-flight operations, i.e., on deck, when moving to and around the aircraft, taxiing, and during launch. After being airborne, however, the aviator's major visual problem lies in reflection of the instrument lights which reduces visibility and can affect dark adaptation. Poor knee-board lighting and difference in instrument light intensity were mentioned as other irritating problems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0620016
Entities
People
- Robert S. Kennedy
- Thomas E. Berghage