The Impact of Reduced Vision on Simulated Flight Performance in Novice Pilots: Toward Establishing Performance-Based and Operationally Representative Visual Acuity Standards

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of visual degradation on simulated flight performance, perceived stress, and perceived task difficulty.BackgroundEstablishing visual standards for pilots is crucial, although it may limit the pool of eligible candidates and impact pilot retention. Despite this, there is limited understanding regarding the influence of vision on pilot performance.MethodTwenty participants (0-300 flight hours) completed a flight simulation task using the ALSIM AL250 in two experiments. Distance static visual acuity (VA) ranged from 6/6 (20/20) to 6/60, with scenarios including no vision. Experiment 1 (<i>n</i> = 10) tested landing performance for 6 VA conditions, while experiment 2 (<i>n</i> = 10) involved a more difficult circuit task (traffic pattern) with 8 VA conditions. Participants completed stress and difficulty questionnaires between trials. Flight performance variables assessed were vertical speed, altitude, attitude, pitch, and roll.ResultsIn both flight simulation experiments, vision degradation did not affect novice pilots' landing performance, but complete loss of vision led to loss of control. Participants in experiment 1 experienced stress at lower perturbation level than in experiment 2.ConclusionVision degradation up to 6/60 had no discernible impact on novice pilots' simulated approach to landing or flight circuit and landing. Total vision loss led to loss of aircraft control. Perceived stress and difficulty increased with reduced vision.ApplicationThis research opens the door to reexamine the visual standards for pilots and serve as a simple tool to manipulate perceived stress and difficulty in operational tasks.