Helicopter Simulator Sickness: A State-of-the-Art Review of Its Incidence, Causes, and Treatment.

Abstract : For this report, helicopter simulator sickness literature was reviewed and analyzed to estimate the scope of the problem in the Army. The author concluded that pilot reluctance to divulge symptoms, in combination with the survey methods used, leads to underestimation of the incidence and severity of symptoms. Lack of truly anonymous survey procedures and potential adverse flying career consequences are suggested as reasons that the more severe symptoms and aftereffects may not be reported in surveys. Potential adverse career impact is also suggested as a probable reason for failure to find any relationship between simulator sickness aftereffects and accidents or safety incidents. Guidelines are suggested for minimizing the development of simulator sickness and the safety consequences of its aftereffects.