Simulator induced syndrome in Coast Guard aviators

The incidence of adverse symptoms in Coast Guard aviators undergoing flight simulator training was determined. A voluntary, multi-part questionnaire was completed by 238 pilots. During the first simulator flight 64.3% of pilots reported at least one adverse symptom, 39.4% during the last flight. Simulator induced syndrome (SIS) was present in 47.1% of subjects during the first simulator flight, 23.5% during their last flight. Most subjects reported their symptoms as mild, with some symptoms rated as moderate or severe in nature. There was no statistically significant association (p greater than 0.05) between the development of SIS and flight experience, simulator experience, length of simulator session, or self-determined motion sickness susceptibility. There was a significant association (p less than 0.05) between SIS development and the use of simulators with computer-generated imagery (CGI). Nine pilots experienced adverse symptoms at least 2 d after their last simulator flight. In conclusion, this study revealed that SIS occurs frequently, is more common when CGI is present, may recur, suggests an adaptative process, and may not be associated with some factors previously claimed.