View-limiting device

In aviation training, a view-limiting device simulates instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) by restricting a pilot's field of view only to the flight instruments. They are worn by pilots who are working toward an instrument rating, which allows a pilot to fly under instrument flight rules in conditions that do not permit visual flight. They are also used by instrument-rated pilots while practicing instrument flight to maintain competency.[1][2]

Examples include foggles and the IFR hood. Foggles are glasses that have been frosted on the top half of the lenses to simulate foggy conditions.

In 2021 The Instrument Conditions Awareness Recognition and Understanding System (ICARUS) Smart View Limiting Device was developed. ICARUS uses Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Film or Smart Glass to electronically change between simulated VMC and IMC to aid pilot training. This capability allows pilots to actually train for VFR into IMC which often leads to spatial disorientation.

ICARUS Visor changing visibilities

Use in training

View-limiting devices are widely used in instrument flight training to simulate the loss of outside visual references while still allowing a flight instructor to monitor the environment. In addition to traditional airplane instrument training, they are used in scenario-based helicopter training that recreates inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), including VFR into IMC scenarios. Safety campaigns and training syllabi recommend combining view-limiting devices with structured exercises and simulator sessions to teach pilots how quickly spatial disorientation can develop and to reinforce early avoidance and transition-to-instruments procedures.[3][4] The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) has promoted inadvertent-IMC awareness training and related safety resources for helicopter pilots, including the “56 Seconds to Live” campaign and guidance on simulator-based training.[5][6][7]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Sec. 61.57: Recent flight experience: Pilot in command". Federal Aviation Regulations. Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved 2010-03-30.
  2. ^ "Introduction". Instrument Flying Handbook. Federal Aviation Administration. 2007. p. viii. Archived from the original on 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2010-03-30.
  3. ^ "Preventing VFR Flight Into IMC". Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute. Retrieved October 2, 2025.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Avoiding VFR-into-IMC Accidents" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration. August 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2025.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ "'Fifty-Six Seconds To Live'". AIN. February 11, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
  6. ^ "Learning Center Course: 56-Seconds to Live". FAA Safety Team. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
  7. ^ "Helicopter Simulator Resources are Like Lost Treasures – Just Waiting to be Discovered". U.S. Helicopter Safety Team. 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
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