Effects of Dextroamphetamine on Helicopter Pilot Performance: A UH-60 Simulator Study

To determine the efficacy and safety of using Dexedrine to sustain aviator performance during periods of sleep deprivation, a placebo-controlled study was conducted. Six U.S. Army helicopter pilots completed five, 1-hour flights in a specially-instrumented UH-60 simulator while their performance was evaluated via a computerized scoring system. Immediately following each flight, data were collected on electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, cognitive/psychomotor performance, and subjective mood ratings. The testing sessions began with flights at 0100, 0500, 0900, 1300, and 1700. One hour prior to each of the first three sessions on the drug-administration days, the aviators were given 10 mg of Dexedrine or placebo. Statistical analyses of the flight maneuvers revealed that Dexedrine improved aviator control on every maneuver with the exception of the hovering turns and the formation flight. Performance on the stationary hovers, the low level navigation, the climbs and descents, straight- and-level segments, standard-rate turns, and the left-descending turn all manifested at least one Dexedrine-related enhancement. Stimulants, Aviators, Flight performance, EEG, Mood