Analysis of Pilot Distance Estimation in Different Lighting and Visibility Conditions

İsmail Gevrek; Murat Akın; Metin Guru

doi:10.14429/dsj.73.19080

İsmail Gevrek Department of Environmental and Technical Investigation of Accidents, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9315-9974
Murat Akın Faculty of Engineering, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0001-1036
Metin Guru Faculty of Engineering, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7335-7583

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.73.19080

Keywords: Aviation, Distance estimation, Twilight condition, Restricted vision, Night vision goggles, Helicopter pilots

Abstract

Several studies on distance and size estimation have focused on normal and night vision goggles (NVGs), but none of them have been performed during the twilight period. Hence, in this study, distance was estimated for the first time during nautical twilight. According to the findings, the accuracy of distance estimation reduces as visibility decreases and is restricted. When compared with Day Limited Helmet Mounted Display Vision (M = 5.27, SD = .59), Twilight Normal Vision (M = 5.33, SD = .69) and Twilight Helmet Mounted Display Vision (M = 5.20, SD = .61), NVG (M = 4.79, SD = .57) appears to have a lower error rate. In this study, distance was estimated considering objects determined during the helicopter flight by the pilots in different visibility conditions, which are significant in the field of aviation. This work is unique owing to its coverage of helicopter pilots and the estimation during the twilight period. In view of our findings, it may be reasonable to postpone the planned helicopter flights during poor visibility conditions.