Simulation Test of a Novel Display to Minimize the Risk of Spatial Disorientation

Spatial disorientation (SD) in flight remains a major source of attrition. Some aircraft accidents in which SD is implicated might be amenable to improved instrument displays. This paper describes an assessment of a novel flight instrument display in a UH-60 helicopter flight simulator. Sixteen male aviators flew a simulated instrument flight profile and recovered from unusual attitudes using the standard flight instruments and the novel display. The two display formats were tested both with and without a secondary task. Both control of flight parameters and recovery from unusual attitudes were significantly improved when using the novel display, and cognitive workload was reduced.