For almost as long as flight simulators have been used for pilot training, concerns have persisted that the difference in cueing environments between simulation and flight could compromise transfer of training, and therefore the training effectiveness, of synthetic devices. If these differences are intrusive then confidence in the training value of these devices will suffer and, in extreme cases, pilots may actually experience discomfort or feel sick in a way which is unrepresentative of flight. Reduced motion cues and restricted field of view are well-known differences from flight but the effects of simulator delays and harmonisation between motion and visual cues are less well understood. A knowledge of these effects is necessary if deficiencies are successfully to be countered using cue compensation techniques. Such techniques potentially offer either improved training effectiveness through better use of available cues or cheaper training devices through less-stringent cue requirements.

This paper presents the results of a study to assess the effects of inadequate and poorly-harmonised cues on pilot perception (handling qualities, workload and discomfort), pilot control behaviour and task performance. The study showed that a degraded cue environment, in the form of restricted or delayed motion and visual cues, always leads to increased workload and discomfort, modified pilot control behaviour and degraded performance. Adequate and well-harmonised cues have a major beneficial influence on pilot perception and performance, giving considerable scope for cue compensation techniques to make an impact on training effectiveness.