A Reaction Time Analysis of Instrument Scanning

Detection and latency performance of instructor pilots and students pilots was compared in a task which required searching an aircraft instrument display for target deviations from a desired course. Performance of instructors was superior to that of students on both detection and latency measures. The use of stable fixation queues was reflected in the latency performance of students. The latency performance of instructors was much less affected by the use of such queues. Results were interpreted to suggest that experienced pilots are able to place a greater reliance on peripheral vision in scanning instrument displays.