Spatial Disorientation in a Hexapod Simulator

Abstract

In previous studies, pilots made roll reversal errors (RREs) when responding to a ‘moving- horizon’ type attitude indicator (AI). It was argued that it was the ambiguity of this display leading to RREs. Later, using non-pilots, it was found that RREs were in many cases caused by expectation-induced misperception of the AI bank angle, which can arise from a pilot experiencing spatial disorientation. The current study evaluated the role of expectation in the control strategy of professional pilots using a hexapod simulator. First, an effective man-in-the-loop spatial disorientation scenario was developed, based on the ‘leans’ illusion. Here, the expectation of ten experienced and eight novice pilots was manipulated with the simulator motion without the AI, after which they had to turn the aircraft back level when the AI was shown again. An error was made in 16.7% of the runs where the bank angle on the AI was opposite to the earlier given physical motion cues, which is 2.9 times more compared to a baseline condition in which no motion, and thus no manipulated expectation, was present. In a third condition where a motion-induced expectation of the bank angle was present, but a level AI was shown later, no errors were made. It was also found that experienced pilots made slightly more errors than novice pilots and that their reaction time was on average half a second higher.
It was concluded that an initially induced expectation about the bank angle does not directly influence the control strategy of pilots, but that it does make them more vulnerable to misinterpretations of the AI, leading to RREs being made. This should be taken into account when developing new displays and technologies, as it should at all times guide pilots in their decision-making, minimizing the chance of misinterpretations.