Brightness Levels of Three Instrument Lighting Systems Used by Pilots Flying at Night
Abstract
Information obtained from twelve pilots flying a C-47 aircraft at night using three different instrument lighting systems is presented. These systems were: (1) Red Flood, (2) Indirect Red, and (3) Ultra-Violet. Brightness levels used by the pilots were recorded for the three systems under varying flying conditions. These conditions were (1) normal night flying, (2) night instrument (maximum), and (3) minimum brightness necessary for safe flight. For normal conditions the lowest brightness level used occurred under Red Flood and highest under Indirect Red. At minimum levels Indirect Red was lowest followed by Ultra-Violet and Red Flood. At maximum levels (night instrument condition) Red Flood was highest, Indirect Red next and Ultra-Violet the lowest although this position of Ultra-Violet represented the maximum available brightness range for this system. Pilot opinion showed varying preferences for the different conditions. Indirect Red was preferred as being the most pleasant and comfortable system and Red Flood was preferred as being the most effective of the three.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1950
- Accession Number
- ADA953160
Entities
People
- B. B. Mcintosh
- E. L. Cole
- W. F. Grether