Design and evaluation of the objective motion cueing test and criterion

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.

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 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.


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.


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.


2013 ◽  
Vol 117 (1189) ◽  
pp. 235-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Perfect ◽  
M. D. White ◽  
G. D. Padfield ◽  
A. W. Gubbels

AbstractFlight simulators are integral to the design/development, testing/qualification, training and research communities and their utilisation is ever expanding. The use of flight simulation to provide a safe environment for pilot training, and in research and development, must be underpinned by quantification of simulator fidelity. While regulatory simulator standards exist for flight training simulators and new standards are in development, previous research has shown that current standards do not provide a fully quantitative approach for assessing simulation fidelity, especially in a research environment. This paper reports on progress made in a research project at the University of Liverpool (Lifting Standards), in which new predicted and perceptual measures of simulator fidelity have been developed. The new metrics have been derived from handling qualities engineering practice. Results from flight tests on the National Research Council (Canada) Bell 412 ASRA research aircraft and piloted simulation trials using the HELIFLIGHT-R simulator at Liverpool are presented to show the efficacy of adopting a handling qualities approach for fidelity assessment. Analysis of the new metrics has shown an appropriate degree of sensitivity to differences between flight and simulation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 425-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shashidhara BP ◽  
Chandra Sekaran ◽  
Yashpal Bhatia ◽  
Magesh Kumar ◽  
Binesh Kumar ◽  
...  

With aircraft becoming more complex and avionics intensive and flight being almost autonomous based on waypoint navigation, software and displays becoming a significant component of the all glass cockpit of the modern day fighter aircraft, it is imperative that pilots are trained on missions using ground based full mission simulator (FMS) for routine flight as well as advanced missions. A flight simulator is as good as the real system only when it is able to mimic the physical system, both in terms of dynamics and layout so that the pilot gets the complete feel of the environment as encountered during actual sortie. The objective of this research paper is to provide a detailed insight into the various aspects of development of a FMS for pilot training with minimal maintenance operations for long hours of realistic flight training on ground. The approach followed by ADE in developing a FMS using a healthy mix of conventional flight simulation methodologies and novel approaches for various simulator sub-systems to tailor and meet the specific training needs, one presented. The FMS developed by ADE is presently being used by Indian Air Force for flight and mission critical training of squadron pilots.


Author(s):  
Mark D. White ◽  
Gareth D. Padfield ◽  
Linghai Lu ◽  
Sunjoo Advani ◽  
Mario Potter

AbstractThis paper examines the fidelity requirements for flight simulators to improve training and address the problems associated with rotorcraft loss of control in-flight (LOC-I). To set the context, trends in rotorcraft accident statistics are presented. The data show that, despite recent safety initiatives, LOC-I rotorcraft accidents have been identified as a significant and growing contribution to accident rates. In the late 1990s, the fixed-wing commercial aircraft community faced a similar situation relating to upset prevention and recovery, and through a coordinated international effort, developed a focussed training programme to reduce accident rates. Lessons learned from the fixed-wing programme are presented to highlight how improved rotorcraft modelling and simulation tools are required to reduce rotorcraft accidents through higher quality, simulator-based training programmes. Relevant flight simulator certification standards are reviewed, with an emphasis on flight-model fidelity and vestibular motion cueing requirements. The findings from rotorcraft modelling and motion cueing research, that highlight relevant fidelity issues, are presented to identify areas for further activities to enhance the fidelity of simulators standards for use in LOC-I prevention training.


2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 81-92
Author(s):  
Henryk NOWAKOWSKI ◽  
Grzegorz KUŁAKOWSKI

This article looks at the role of flight training devices in the process of instruction and training pilots. It also examines the impact of pilot training using flight simulators on reducing the human factor in accidents.


Author(s):  
Paul W. Caro

Flight simulators are built as realistically as possible, presumably to enhance their training value. Yet, their training value is determined by the way they are used. Traditionally, simulators have been less important for training than have aircraft, but they are currently emerging as primary pilot training vehicles. This new emphasis is an outgrowth of systems engineering of flight training programs, and a characteristic of the resultant training is the employment of techniques developed through applied research in a variety of training settings. These techniques include functional context training, minimizing over-training, effective utilization of personnel, use of incentive awards, peer training, and objective performance measurement. Programs employing these and other techniques, with training equipment ranging from highly-realistic simulators to reduced-scale paper mockups, have resulted in impressive transfer of training. The conclusion is drawn that a proper training program is essential to realizing the potential training value of a device, regardless of its realism.


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