Is Motion Needed in Flight Simulators Used for Training?

Author(s):  
Edwin Cohen

Although flight training curricula demand that pilots learn to disregard bodily sensations of motion, aircraft motion can be an important source of information to pilots, and sometimes can also degrade pilot performance. Considerable evidence is adduced that motion in flight simulators produces significant training benefits, but there is a scarcity of data on the consequences of different degrees or methods of motion simulation. To produce the sensation of miles of aircraft motion with a few feet of simulator motion requires consideration of various aspects of human sensitivity to motion. Some of the complications in obtaining motion-threshold data are discussed, and two illustrations of the utilization of these data in optimizing motion simulation are given.

2016 ◽  
Vol 120 (1227) ◽  
pp. 873-891 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Hosman ◽  
S. Advani

ABSTRACTSince the introduction of hexapod-type motion systems for flight simulation in the 1970s, Motion Drive Algorithm tuning has been primarily based on the subjective judgement of experienced pilots. This subjective method is often not transparent and often leads to ambiguous process of adjustment of the tuning parameters. Consequently, there are large variations in the motion cueing characteristics of flight training devices, a variability that subsequently raises questions regarding the value of motion cueing for pilot training itself. The third revision of ICAO 9625 Manual of Criteria for the Qualification of Flight Simulation Training Devices offered the opportunity to take a closer look at simulator motion cueing requirements in general. This led to the concept of the objective motion cueing test (OMCT), which was reported in 2006. After the method was evaluated on three research flight simulators, the results were published in 2007, demonstrating a larger spread in dynamic behaviour of cueing algorithms than expected. After discussions with the simulator industry regarding the form and methodology of the OMCT, an evaluation of the test in cooperation with the industry started in 2011. This led to the final form of the OMCT and cueing parameter criterion for the in-flight mode of transport aircraft. This paper describes the OMCT, the evaluation results and the criterion.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (0) ◽  
pp. 91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wong ◽  
Georg Meyer ◽  
Emma Timson ◽  
Philip Perfect ◽  
Mark White

There is interest in how pilots perceive simulator fidelity and rate self-performance in virtual reality flight training. Ten participants were trained to perform a target tracking task in a helicopter flight simulation. After training objective performance, the median tracking error, was compared to subjective self-evaluations in a number of flying conditions where the cues available to our pilots were manipulated in a factorial design: the simulator motion platform could be active or static, audio cues signalling the state of the turbine could be those used during training, non-informative, or an obviously different but informative ‘novel’ sound. We tested participants under hard and easy flying conditions. Upon completion of each test condition, participants completed a 12-statement Likert-scale with items concerning their performance and helicopter simulator fidelity. Objective performance measures show that flight performance improved during training and was affected by audio and motion cues. The subjective data shows that participants reliably self-evaluated their own performance and simulator fidelity. However, there were instances where subjective and objective measures of performance or fidelity did not correlate. For example, although participants rated the ‘novel’ turbine sound as having low fidelity, it behaviourally caused no difference with respect to the turbine sound used in training. They were also unable to self-evaluate outcome of learning. We conclude that whilst subjective measures are a good indicator of self-performance, objective data offers a valuable task-oriented perspective on simulator fidelity.


1981 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 657-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P. Meyer ◽  
Jack I. Laveson ◽  
Design Plus

Due to the critical role which vision plays in tactical operations, the experience-judgement approach emphasized visual cues and referents. A theory of internal pilot performance provided the framework for this approach. Visual referent details were carefully defined in their relationship with complex performance. An expanded surface task analysis which stressed cues and cognitive activity started the process of categorizing flying tasks into behavioral components. Visual cues and their referents were further analyzed to develop environmental background scenes for each task through an intermediate word to picture conversion. Behavioral components were structured into instructional procedures from which behavioral goals were specified. The resulting goals and background scenes were integrated to form a phased learning plan that included event requirements, instructional techniques, and instructional features. These procedures are also applicable to other advanced training situations which have complex visual perception, decision making, and motor output requirements.


Author(s):  
Charles O. Hopkins

Some claimed cost, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness advantages of aircraft simulators for training are equivocal. Effectiveness of simulator training depends mostly upon the training procedures. Other factors alleged to influence the effectiveness of simulators vary in their demonstrated importance. These are considered in the contexts of physical simulation vs. psychological simulation, simulator fidelity and motivation, and pilot acceptance. One of the more costly areas of engineering development to increase fidelity of physical simulation is motion systems. No experimental evidence is available to show that simulator motion enhances transfer of training. Cost effectiveness has not been demonstrated for many interesting and attractive features that are standard trimmings on flight training simulators. The acquisition of simulators costing several times as much to own and operate as their counterpart airplanes may produce a backlash that will set back the desirable use of cost-effective simulators in reasonable research and training programs.


Author(s):  
Alfred F. Smode

The instructional capability of the training simulator has improved in tempo with simulation technology. The business of shaping student behaviors has achieved a leap forward in efficiency due to digital computation and the computer display terminal. This paper discusses the impact of computer assistance on the capability for structuring and controlling synthetic flight training, and examines the instructional potential of the “new breed” of flight simulators presently on-line or in the developmental stage. A number of recent innovations in instructor station design is described. These developing, student-centered instructional techniques for promoting training effectiveness place the simulator quite realistically in contention as a major flight training medium of the future.


Author(s):  
Paul W. Caro

Army pilot training requirements, particularly in the helicopter area, are growing rapidly. To meet the increased training load, an Army-wide system of aircraft simulators, known as the Synthetic Flight Training System (SFTS), has been designed and is under development. A feature of the SFTS is the automation of many instructor functions normally associated with training in flight simulators. A portion of the automation involves the application of adaptive training techniques. This paper describes the SFTS and the rationale for the incorporation in it of adaptive training. The selection of appropriate adaptive variables, techniques for error measurement and for providing feedback to trainees, and the adaptive logic employed are discussed.


2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (1175) ◽  
pp. 67-86
Author(s):  
D. R. Gingras ◽  
J. N. Ralston

Abstract Aircraft upset and Loss of Control (LOC) is a leading cause of accidents in commercial and general aviation aircraft operations. A number of measures have been taken in the commercial segment to improve training and awareness of this problem and several organisations offer in-flight training to enhance awareness. In relative terms, in both commercial and general aviation sectors, the use of Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and Flight Training Devices (FTD) for this purpose is minimal. A key reason for this is the limited capability and coverage of flight models used in these devices. This paper provides examples of the limitations in civilian simulators in contrast to military efforts that have been using full envelope modelling for decades to enhance pilot training. The paper also presents techniques used in full-envelope modelling, their validity, and a regulatory vehicle that is in-line with current international guidelines for application to civilian trainer development.


2019 ◽  
pp. 24-31
Author(s):  
Henryk Nowakowski ◽  
Jaroslaw Kozuba

The article presents flight simulation training devices used for the training of students at Dęblin Air Force University from the early 60s until the present time. It includes information concerning the scope of the use of training devices in the teaching process as well as training itself of the university flying personnel. It also presents the development of flight simulation based on changes in the devices facilitating flight training, from training devices to the Integrated Training System. The use of flight simulators for the training of pilots is becoming an increasingly more important element of this training. More and more advanced flight simulators allow the implementation of the majority of flight procedures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 513-520
Author(s):  
Daoyang ZHU ◽  
Jun YAN ◽  
Shaoli DUAN

Motion cueing algorithms (MCA) are often applied in the motion simulators. In this paper, a nonlinear optimal MCA, taking into account translational and rotational motions of a simulator within its physical limitation, is designed for the motion platform aiming to minimize human’s perception error in order to provide a high degree of fidelity. Indeed, the movement sensation center of most MCA is placed at the center of the upper platform, which may cause a certain error. Pilot’s station should be paid full attention to in the MCA. Apart from this, the scaling and limiting module plays an important role in optimizing the motion platform workspace and reducing false cues during motion reproduction. It should be used along within the washout filter to decrease the amplitude of the translational and rotational motion signals uniformly across all frequencies through the MCA. A nonlinear scaling method is designed to accurately duplicate motions with high realistic behavior and use the platform more efficiently without violating its physical limitations. The simulation experiment is verified in the longitudinal/pitch direction for motion simulator. The result implies that the proposed method can not only overcome the problem of the workspace limitations in the simulator motion reproduction and improve the realism of movement sensation, but also reduce the false cues to improve dynamic fidelity during the motion simulation process.


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