Effects of low blood alcohol levels on pilots' prioritisation of tasks during a radio navitation task

Smith, Fiona J. and Harris, Don (1994). Effects of low blood alcohol levels on pilots' prioritisation of tasks during a radio navitation task. The International Journals of Aviation Psychology, 4(4) pp. 349–358.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327108ijap0404_4

Abstract

Eight pilots flew a specified cross-country route using radio navigation in a flight simulator with simulated air traffic control. Four of the pilots flew with a low blood alcohol level (BAL; mean BAL = 20.63 mg%). Pilots' performance was compared in terms of flying performance, navigation, and radio communication. We hypothesized that the tasks most likely to be shed as a result of alcohol impairment would be those lower down in the task prioritization hierarchy of "aviate, navigate and communicate." This hypothesis was supported; alcohol was found to impair significantly pilots' radio communication. Results are discussed with reference to the piloting task and the implications for alcohol regulation in aviation.

Viewing alternatives

Metrics

Item Actions

Export

You can export this page using these formats Digital Object Identifier - DOI

About

• Item ORO ID
• 27591
• Item Type
• Journal Item
• ISSN
• 1532-7108
• Academic Unit or School
• Other Departments > Other Departments
  Other Departments
• Copyright Holders
• © 1994 Taylor & Francis
• Depositing User
• Jan Swallow