Eye movement patterns under exposure to spatial disorientation illusions during simulated flight

Objective To analyze eye-tracking patterns contributing to or mitigating spatial disorientation (SD) during flight, providing insights to reduce its impact.

Background SD is a significant contributor to aviation mishaps, often resulting from misinterpreted sensory cues, leading to an incorrect understanding of the aircraft’s position, attitude, or motion. Understanding eye-scanning behaviors associated with SD can improve training and reduce incidents.

Method Eye movements of 45 participants (30 aircrew members, 15 cadets) were recorded using Tobii Pro Glasses 2 during SD-inducing flight simulations in the Gyro-IPT SD simulator. Metrics such as fixations, saccades, and visits were compared between SD and non-SD groups, and statistical analyses were performed to identify differences.

Results Among 284 flight profiles, 136 SD events were recorded across 30 aircrew and 15 cadets. Some illusions targeted navigators, F-15 aircrew, or active aircrew instead of cadets. SD events during visual illusions were more likely with frequent instrument panel checks. In contrast, vestibular illusions showed the opposite effect and had a higher probability of causing an SD event among participants who examined the HUD in greater frequencies.

Conclusion Efficient SD mitigation requires task-specific eye-scanning strategies: visual illusions demand greater instrument focus, while vestibular illusions benefit from HUD engagement.

Application Implementing the knowledge and training based on the current results can improve performance in flight profiles with high SD risk. There is potential to develop a real-time alert system installed on aircraft during real flights, helping to mitigate or entirely eliminate the fatal results of SD events.

Precis This study examined eye-tracking patterns during flight to identify mechanisms underlying spatial disorientation (SD) and strategies for SD avoidance. Findings reveal that to avoid visual illusions instrument focus is required, while HUD engagement is beneficial to avoid vestibular illusions. Results could be applied to training programs to enhance flight safety and reduce SD incidents.