Simulator Induced Sickness in the CP-140 (Aurora) Flight Deck Simulator
Abstract
Training on modern flight simulators can lead to a condition referred to as simulator induced sickness (SIS) which is characterized by nausea, dizziness and postural instability. It is believed that SIS results from exposure to conflicting sensory information. The present report examined the incidence, severity and duration of SIS as a function of flight experience and aircrew position (pilot/copilot) in 16 aircrew following training on the CP-140 (Aurora) Flight Deck Simulator at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood. The dependent measures included symptomatology and postural stability. In addition, measures of workload were taken to examine the contribution of the high task demands generally associated with simulator training to the development of SIS symptomatology. The results indicated that over 50% of tested aircrew experienced increases in symptom frequency following simulator training with the most commonly reported symptoms being mild mental fatigue, physical fatigue, eye strain and after sensations of motion. The workload results confirmed that the simulator imposed high task demands on the aircrew. Furthermore, the workload results were consistent with the pattern of symptoms observed, suggesting that factors other than sensory conflict may be involved in the development of symptomatology following simulator exposure. Future investigations should attempt to identify these factors so that SIS can be managed more effectively. Keywords: Motion sickness, Simulator Sickness; Ataxia; Postural control; Workload. (KT)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA213096
Entities
People
- K. Hamilton
- K. Hendy
- L. Kantor
- L. Magee
- R. Heslegrave
Organizations
- DRDC Toronto