The Development of Auditory Performance Standards for Naval Aviators: Radiocommunications Questionnaire Results.
Abstract
The establishment of hearing standards for naval aviators requires some determination of acceptable or normative performance in the operational environment. Because speech perception via radio link is the principal auditory ability required of aviators, questions regarding several aspects of radiocommunications were asked of 62 experienced aviators stationed at NAS oceana. Respondents to the questionnaire provided information regarding the frequency and cause of missed communications, the types of aircraft and flight scenarios in which communications are particularly difficult, their use of hearing protection, et cetera. The aviators reported that (1) across aircraft, an average 24% of all radiocommunications are missed, and (2) the principal causes included co-channel interference, cockpit noise, and poorly functioning equipment. Radiocommunications were reported to be most difficult in the F-14 with its noisy environmental control system (ECS). Improvements suggested by the respondents (e.g., a better fitting face mask, improved helmet noise attenuation, lower ECS noise levels, etc.) are all areas worthy of attention and within the capabilities of current technology. Radiocommunications, Auditory performance, Aviators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 09, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA275867
Entities
People
- C. E. Williams
- G. B. Thomas
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory