Modeling Human and Animal Collision Avoidance Strategies

In this paper we propose technical solutions for overcoming pilots’ limitations in handling collision situations in visual flight. An analysis of pilots’ requirements for future development of such systems shows that a surprisingly large proportion of pilots would prefer automated systems which will allow decision and performance of the avoidance maneuvers, and recapturing of the initial route by the autopilot. For building up a model of collision avoidance we reviewed previous findings on collision avoidance strategies of pilots, air traffic controllers and pedestrians. Additionally, we reconsidered studies on collision avoidance strategies of birds and insects. Finally, we discuss new challenges for future cockpit technology and flight training methods to improve collision avoidance management and safety of VFR pilots