Measuring the effects of neurotoxicants on flight simulator performance.

The Aviation Research Laboratory has developed a methodology for evaluating toxicant effects on pilot performance. Flight data are collected using a digital flight simulator, the ILLIMAC (ILLInois Micro Aviation Computer), during holding patterns and instrument landing system approaches. The flight data are recorded by a separate microcomputer, which also presents the Sternberg memory searching task. A preliminary study examined pilot performance in the simulator and cholinesterase inhibition by insecticides in agricultural pilots. The correlation between the physiological parameters and the pilot performance data was determined. Experiments are planned to determine the effects of a variety of drugs on pilot performance. Neurotoxicants to be studied include ethanol, three antiemetic drugs, and atropine sulfate.