A Final Report of the FAA Low Visibility Simulation

During a period of more than five years, the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) conducted a low visibility flight simulation program, designed to test pilot capabilities to detect and correct flight path irregularities, caused by autoland anomalies during Category III weather conditions. The test program was structured in two phases, and accomplished in an FAA-operated Phase II B-727 simulator, utilizing type-rated pilots from various segments of the industry. The test scenarios presented variations of fog structures, visibilities, wind conditions, and mechanical anomalies. An interim report, presented in 1987, detailed the accomplishments of Phase I of the test program. The information contained herein continues that report with a detailed account of the second and final phase of the project, as well as the conclusions and recommendations reached as a result.