Crew Stress and Fatigue in the PAVE LOW III System
Abstract
The purpose of the PAVE LOW III system is to demonstrate that helicopter crews can perform combat rescue at night and in marginal weather conditions. This report discusses the PAVE LOW III system crew stress and fatigue and human factors problems encountered during combat simulated exercises. From the subjective fatigue (SF) data and self-report rating scales it appears that the system significantly stressed experienced test pilots. Workload was extremely demanding of pilot attention, skill, and alertness during terrain following/terrain avoidance, approach to hovering, and hovering maneuvers. It is recommended that the maximum flying time should be no more than 6 hours for these types of missions, and there should be at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep or 12 hours of crew rest between missions. Attention should be given to improving the following features: seating, acoustic insulation, display illumination, maps and holders, and communication and ventilation systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA091668
Entities
People
- Frank H. Brunstetter
- Patrick J. Dowd
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine