Spatial Disorientation: Towards International Standardization
Abstract
Spatial Disorientation (SD) remains an important source of attrition in both military flying and general aviation. Several recent symposia and technical meetings have recommended various initiatives to control this hazard such as improvements in training and the standardization of mishap and incident data. In the first area, improved and standardized methodologies of training with appropriate training objectives for aircrew training in SD are intended to produce curricula that will provide international air forces with the ability to ensure that aircrew have a common training base. In the second area, the development of a standardized method of data collection, terminology and reporting for SD related topics would enable a common accident database from which factors involved in the SD accident or incident can be determined. Similarly, a standardized format for data collection from surveys of aircrew experience of SD would be extremely useful for comparative and education purposes. Ultimately, research into SD and the application of training countermeasures can be better coordinated, and more effectively and economically applied. Such enhancements are already being progressed in the military forum through the Air Standardization Coordinating Committee (ASCC). Other international services and organizations (NATO in particular) could readily adopt many, if not all, these initiatives. This paper summarizes the achievements to date and outlines the way in which other organizations can both benefit from the work already achieved, and also contribute to the anticipated improvement in mission effectiveness and flight safety.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADP013876
Entities
People
- Malcolm G. Braithwaite