Comparison of Oculomotor Performance of Monocular and Binocular Aviators during VFR Helicopter Flight.

Abstract : This investigation provides data concerning the visual performance of six binocular Army aviators and one monocular Army aviator during eleven flight maneuvers. All maneuvers were performed in a JUH-1H helicopter and visual data were acquired by means of a corneal reflection technique. Data were recorded on video tape and 16mm film. Thirteen visual areas were used to include: eight windscreen sectors; two side windows and chin bubbles; and an inside cockpit sector. Data presented include percentage of time spent in each sector, average dwell time per sector and sector transition (permutation) values. In addition to the objective data, a discussion of the retraining period for the monocular aviator is provided. The data revealed that, in general, both the monocular aviator and binocular aviators used the same visual sectors. However, the total percentage of time they spent in these sectors were often different and so were the dwell times. The most dramatic differences in visual performance appeared when aircraft movement was in the direction of the monocular aviator's visual deficiency and in terms of the time spent inside the cockpit. The monocular aviator was found to perform all maneuvers in a most acceptable manner. (Author)