CONTRAST SENSITIVITY PREDICTS PILOTS' PERFORMANCE IN AIRCRAFT SIMULATORS

1 January 1982

journal article
research article
Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in Optometry and Vision Science

Vol. 59 (1) , 105-109
https://doi.org/10.1097/00006324-198201000-00020

Abstract

Contrast sensitivity was better than visual acuity for predicting a pilot''s ability to detect a small, semi-isolated air-to-ground target. Eleven instructor pilots had their acuity measured by both conventional and contrast sensitivity methods. Scotopic contrast sensitivity showed the highest correlation with slant detection range (0.83). Conventionally determined visual acuity proved to be a poor predictor of a pilot''s ability to detect a small low contrast target.