Spatial disorientation plays a large role in fatal accidents especially in General Aviation (GA). In the event of low visibility, maintenance of spatial awareness is a crucial factor, to the pilot, in keeping the aircraft at a level attitude. That said, current GA cockpit instrumentation provides no significant solution to alleviate the spatial disorientation problem encountered by pilots. Latest advancements in navigational technology and the development of Mircoelectromechanical System (MEMS) for precise attitude determination have led to the research and development of a prototype Synthetic and Peripheral Vision Display (SPVD) system at Ohio University.
This thesis discusses the architecture and flight tests conducted that document the performance and viability of a prototype SPVD. Additionally, it also discusses the study of a series of Human Factors flight trials designed to test the efficacy of the system. Furthermore the thesis provides an insight into the utilization of SPVD’s for remote piloting of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV’s).