Aviator Black Hole Illusion: Validated Training Countermeasures for Newly Identified Causal Factors
Abstract
Pilot surveys and accident statistics document Black Hole Illusion (BHI) is a leading form of aviation spatial disorientation. Background: Conventional BHI avoidance training often emphasizes flying into unfamiliar airfields at night increases susceptibility to runway depth illusions. Previous research has confirmed the link between visual illusions and BHI; however, these studies suggest BHI is unlikely to occur at distances greater than 4.5 nm from the runway. Since mishap data indicate BHI errors often occur at runway distances greater than 4.5 nm, this research effort hypothesized BHI episodes may also be caused by perceptual problems unrelated to variances in runway size or slope. Method: To mitigate BHI, a customized BHI flight simulation scenario and classroom training module were used to inform pilots about the dynamic visual interactions of primary (runway image) and secondary (glare shield image) spatial cues. Results: Statistical analysis revealed the revised BHI training significantly (t(25) = -4.6, p < .01) reduced BHI glide path errors (i.e., glide path less than 2.5 deg). Pre-training simulated nighttime with horizon and no horizon conditions caused pilots to fly landing approaches significantly lower than glide slopes observed during simulated daytime trials. Of the 26 pilots tested, 24 (92%) demonstrated BHI approach characteristics (approach path < 2.5 deg) during simulated night pre-training conditions. Among the 24 subjects who committed BHI errors, 21(88%) eliminated or reduced their errors after receiving spatial strategy based BHI recognition and avoidance training. Conclusion: BHI errors can occur at distances where unfamiliar runway dimensions have little or no effect on approach performance. Also, educating pilots about appropriate spatial strategies involving primary and secondary cue dynamics may help reduce BHI risk.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1159041
Entities
People
- Frederick R. Patterson
- Henry P. Williams
- Richard D. Arnold
- Richard V. Folga
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton