9/5/2002 General Aviation Requirements Requirement ID: 866 Special Category:  NONE Sponsor Organization:  AFS Sponsor POC: Anne Graham Keywords:  General Aviation Pilots (GA), Performance (meas/imprv), Vision Title: Low Visibility and Visual Detection Research Statement: The purpose of this project is to develop research and educational materials that will help reduce accidents caused by 4 related problems: 1) continued flight into reduced visibility, 2) failure to detect targets, 3) failure to utilize resources, 4) need for improved education and training for problems 1-3. A review of the current literature indicates that accidents related to visibility account for a large portion of the total fatalities in aircraft. Visibility issues range from continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) resulting in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), runway incursions and ground-based accidents during low visibility conditions, and midair collisions with ground-based objects or other aircraft. These mid-air collisions are often due not only to reduced visibility, but also to background conditions that camouflage or mask the target and impede detection, and indeed many of these accidents occur in clear skies. In most situations there appears to be a failure on the part of the pilots to recognize unsafe visual conditions and take appropriate action. In addition, reports indicate that in many cases, pilots of accident aircraft did not avail themselves of available technology, either advanced equipment installed in the aircraft, or ATC services. Further research aimed at understanding visual limitations under conditions of low visibility and decreased detection is needed. Such research would include optimizing strategies for employing available technology and services. Results from this research will form the basis for education materials designed to improve pilot recognition and performance under non-optimal visual conditions, and ultimately reduce accidents related to poor visual conditions.1770 Background: Problem 1: VFR into IMC Some of the most difficult safety issues currently being addressed by the FAA include accidents in which reduced visibility or failures to visually detect other aircraft or ground-based targets played a major role. In 1989, the “Final Report on an Informal Panel on General Aviation Safety Submitted to J. Lynn Helm” identified VFR into IMC as the leading cause of fatal crashes. Night VFR minimums were increased and other interventions implemented, but the problem still exists. Interventions that focus on improved pilot training concerning weather related decision making are critical in reducing fatalities. A review, of poor visibility CFIT crashes in Alaska since 1980, indicates that pilots failed to transition to an emergency operation or radio for help. Most appear to be attempting visual flight until impact. Problem 2: failure to detect targets Similarly, the midair and ground collision rates involving GA aircraft remains unacceptably high. Reports of collisions both in the air and on the ground indicate that the pilots were typically unaware of decreasing visibility or camouflage effects from the background and report never having seen the target until too late. One prime example is the failure of pilots top detect other airborne traffic. Ironically this situation often happens in clear weather. The major cause of this failure is camouflage or masking effects of high contrast backgrounds, such as snow on mountains, or buildings in an urban landscape (please see examples in accompanying video). One of the primary cues for detection of targets is motion. However motion cues are of little help when targets are on a direct collision course since there is no relative motion in this case. The strategy of frequently changing course direction frequently may improve target detection in these cases. The current recommended target scanning technique is based on the assumption that target detection always occurs with the central (foveal) area of the retina. This assumption ignores the specialized processing that occurs in the paracentral and peripheral areas of the retina that are optimized to detect transient change (motion and flicker). It is possible that modifications of the recommended scanning techniques to more efficiently utilize motion detection capacities will improve detection when combined with intentional course changes under conditions of target masking. More research on this topic is needed. Problem3: failure to utilize resources A lot can be said in favor of the new technologies associated with the Capstone project as well as traffic avoidance systems. However, widespread use of this equipment is most likely to be a long time coming and prohibitively expensive for many GA operators. Additionally, as we saw in the recent Kennedy crash, having sophisticated technologies on board does not assure they will be used properly. The more airman know of the limitations for both man and machine under non-optimal visual conditions the more likely they will avoid the situation or will be prepared to handle it. Problem 4: pilot education Despite the seriousness of the current situation, information about physiological and psychological responses to deteriorating weather conditions or reduced visual cues and detection is not widely disseminated. The aviation industry has been primarily focused on how to prevent pilots from entering visibilities below VFR minimums, yet it happens and fatal accidents occur. Basic and applied research with an aim toward improving training practices concerning operations in conditions of reduced visibility and detection is important. More information will help the pilot, who is faced with challenging visual conditions to better cope with this predicament. Output: Years 1-3 1. There is a lack of data on pilot performance under varying task loads in reduced visibility conditions. Data on this topic could be used to develop advisory circulars or to develop training modules, which would make pilots aware of their limitations and the difficulty of flying and navigating while in reduced visibility at low altitudes and when targets may be efficiently hidden by background conditions. The specific product that is needed is a report that quantifies the relationships between pilot performance, task load (as indicated, for example, by aircraft speed and altitude) and visibility. 2. There is a need to improve pilot decision-making during potential collision and CFIT situations. One common model of pilot decision-making portrays the decision-making process as a continuous loop. On the other hand, in a high task load environment like low altitude and low visibility operations a "discontinuous decision-making" model would most likely be of value. The specific product needed is a report that evaluates currently used poor weather decision models, such as Bensyl, American Journal of Epidemiology, December 2001 or Controlled Flight Into Terrain: A Study of Pilot Perspectives in Alaska, Larry Bailey, Civil Aeromedical 3. Even with advanced display technology, like weather and terrain displays on board, inadequate decision making could result in and an accident. In a low visibility and low altitude environment the man-machine interface is critical. Little is known about the advance technology equipment training and proficiency needed to contend with a VFR into inadvertent IMC situation. The specific product that is needed is a report that specifies inadequate techniques and the techniques that experienced pilots have found to be effective in dealing with these conditions. Information of that nature could be incorporated into pilot training programs, much as current emergency procedures are practiced. 4. It is important to educate pilots as to optimal strategies for avoiding accidents in conditions of reduced visibility and where background terrain or objects interfere with the ability to detect possible targets. The specific product needed is an educational video (or CD ROM) that illustrates the problem of low visibility and target detection and the appropriate strategies for reducing the probability of collision or CFIT. Data from the reports generated by Output 1, 2 and 3 above, would be incorporated into and form the basis of this product. Regulatory Link: Safer Skies: Goal to Reduce of Fatalities, Reduction of CFIT accidents, Reduction of Weather Related Accidents, and Improving Pilot Decision-Making.