Altitude Estimation in the UH-60 Flight Simulator.

Correct perception of self-altitude above the earth is an essential skill for aviators, especially those flying nap-of-the-earth. Since much of todays helicopter training occurs in flight simulators, it is important to determine if the perceptual cues denoting altitude in the simulator transfer to the real-world flight environment. A study was performed to assess the accuracy for Army aviators in estimating self-altitude in the simulator and to determine the effects of performance feedback on the training of this capability. Results with 11 aviators showed that altitude estimation was more accurate over land than water while cruising at higher altitudes 50 ft and more accurate over water than over land while hovering over lower altitudes. Performance feedback resulted in a dramatic improvement in overall performance.