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Introduction: This study examined pilots' visual scan patterns during a simulated high-speed, low-level flight and how their scan rates related to flight performance. As helicopters become faster and more agile, pilots are expected to navigate at low altitudes while traveling at high speeds. A pilot's ability to interpret information from a combination of visual sources determines not only mission success, but also aircraft and crew survival. Methods: In a fixed-base helicopter simulator modeled after the U.S. Navy's MH-60S, 17 active-duty Navy helicopter pilots with varying total flight times flew and navigated through a simulated southern Californian desert course. Pilots' scan rate and fixation locations were monitored using an eye-tracking system while they flew through the course. Flight parameters, including altitude, were recorded using the simulator's recording system. Results: Experienced pilots with more than 1000 total flight hours better maintained a constant altitude (mean altitude deviation = 48.52 ft, SD = 31.78) than less experienced pilots (mean altitude deviation = 73.03 ft, SD = 10.61) and differed in some aspects of their visual scans. They spent more time looking at the instrument display and less time looking out the window (OTW) than less experienced pilots. Looking OTW was associated with less consistency in maintaining altitude. Discussion: Results may aid training effectiveness specific to helicopter aviation, particularly in high-speed low-level flight conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of the 11th RCX Radio Control Expo held at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. The two-day event were filled with interactive displays and demos that encompasses planes, cars, trucks, boats, helicopters, pro racers, pro flyers, try-me tracks, flight simulators,and scale models. It features some of the products that were showcased at the event, including the Fieseler Fi 156 Storch plane and the Apprentice S15e RTF plane.

Focuses on the Golden Eagles, a squadron based at the Fightertown Virtual Simulation Center in Lake Forest, California. Detailed account of Operation Dominion, Fightertown's first combat campaign, pitting the virtual-reality center's best pilots against both real and computer-controlled opponents; Details of the simulation equipment; The author's experience flying a real-life F-15 Eagle plane. INSET: F-15 Eagle: This is not a simulation.

Focuses on the completion of a virtual reality laboratory for aeronautic researchers at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Ames Research Center in California. Comments of Ames' project manager Tom Alderete; Applications of the flight simulator; Simulations details.

The article focuses on the maiden flight of the X-47B unmanned combat air system (UCAS) set for November 2009 in the Mojave Desert north of Los Angeles, California. According to the author, the first flight of the X-47B will be a key milestone in its test program, and its next critical test will be landing on an aircraft carrier at sea planned in 2011. Prior to the first real flight test, the X-47B is launching and landing on simulated Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.

The article presents information on the Flightline Flight Simulation Center in Irvine, California. The company offers full-cockpit flight simulators to customers. The simulators are used to train commercial pilots in emergency procedures. The idea behind the business is based on the popularity of computer gaming. Several players have formed simulator clubs due to the popularity of dog fighting.

Narrates a woman's experiences at the Fightertown Virtual Simulation Center in Orange County, California. Opportunity for monied people to learn to fly a fighter plane.

Reports on the plan to install a Gulfstream V simulator at the training center of FlightSafety in Long Beach, California in 2006. Information on the use electric motion system for full-flight simulator system; Features of the simulator.