FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-68/12

Title and Subtitle: Peripheral vision cues: Their effect on pilot performance during instrument landing approaches and recoveries from unusual attitudes

Report Date: May 1968

Authors: Hasbrook AH, Young PE

Abstract: The study explores the effects of peripheral vision cues on the performance of a 20 ATR pilots during simulated instrument landing approaches in a Boeing 720 jet aircraft simulator. Recoveries from unusal attitudes were also investigated. Results of the study suggest that peripheral vision cues (1) improve control of bank angle during instrument approaches; (2) may be safely substituted in an emergency for a failed attitude indicator; and (3) result in significantly less time being required for recovery from unusual attitudes. Significantly, no reversals were observed during recoveries utilizing peripheral vision cues.

Key Words: Instrument landings, visual signals, approach, performance, visual perception, pilots, attitude indicators, flight simulators, vision, aviation safety, jet transport aircraft, recovery, turning flight

No. of Pages: 19