A Comparative Study of Vestibular Performance in Pilot and Non-Pilot Service Members in Naval Aviation

This study found that rotary wing Naval aviators exhibit superior DVA compared to non-pilots. These findings highlight potential vestibulo-ocular adaptations potentially from the constant occupational demands of aviation or because of the competitive selection process Naval aviators face. Although no correlation was found between flight hours and DVA, further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify whether DVA changes with time or exposure. This study is a first step toward bench marking and attempting to quantify the difference in DVA in pilots and non-pilots. Looking forward, DVA can play a crucial role in understanding the health of pilots' vestibular systems, while also maximizing their performance and safety in the aircraft. Future studies should look to track DVA changes over pilots' careers or following vestibular injuries, while also expanding to other aviation communities.