Perceptual CUE Effects on Distance Estimation from Different Relative Approach Heading

Abstract

Dangers during the approach and landing phases of flight are still leading safety issues in aviation. In particular, inconsistent visual scenes have been associated with variations in pilot performance during visual approaches. While several factors have been identified as causes of such performance variation, such as impoverished visual cues and the geometrical ratio of the runway image, many other perceptual cues remain largely unexplored. This study examines how pilot performance in a visual approach task is affected by changes in the angle from centerline of the runway. Findings from this study will help determine the degree to which previously unexplored variables affect performance and help guide the development of future training for visual approach.