I__. - International Military Testing Association

In his attempt to overcome these difficulties, the aviation
psychologist learns that he lacks an important tool: to develop
and to test training concepts he must have free access to a full
mission simulator and to helicopters. Availability and flexible
use of both these types of systems under varying experimental
conditions are extremely limited due to severe operational
restrictions.
2.3. Further Tasks Of Aviation Psychology
The final success of the screening methods used in aviation
psychology also depends on the following aspects:
t training provided to instructors
t prophylactic stress prevention anii coping programs
+ analysis of pilot behavior displayed in the cockpit.
From all these tasks one can conclude that the aviation
psychologist needs a simulator-like system the primary asset of
which is the capability to simulate psychological demands rather
than maximum realism in terms of aircraft control .
3. Solution
The solution to the problems arising from pilot candidate
selection, flight -training, ergonomics and psychological support
must be looked for in the cockpit, However, the cockpits of full
mission simulators or actual aircraft are not suited for the
purposes of a scientific analysis for various reasons. This means
that an aviation psychologist has to develop his own cockpit
optimized for his specific aims. Such a concept will be described
in the following paragraphs: Tile procurement of this system called
"Aviation Psychological System/Helicopter (APS/H)" for the Germati
Army Aviation Branch has already beer1 initiated.
3.1. Task Structures
The task structures of the APS/H are based or1 psychic problems
that typically arise in the course of actual training missions:
3.1.1. Problem Area: Psychomotor Control
The intricacies of controlling an aircraft may lead to psychomotor
problems . The APS/H will therefore be equipped with all the
controls that can be found in a helicopter. Control inputs made
with the APS/H controls will not only convey the same fi:~;iing iis
those of a real helicopter, it \qill also be possible to c!:ange Lli~
control st?nsitivity over a wide j*ringe.
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