RWS 25 – Aviation Vision Science with Warren de Haan

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Dr Warren De Haan – Vision is a critical input to operating a helicopter but there is a lot to it.

Dr Warren De Haan has been an Aviation vision specialist for 48 years and is considered the world’s leading expert in the field.

In this episode we will be talking about vision science, tips on looking after your eyesight, better habits to help you detect obstacles, the effects of aging on sight and considerations for extending your flying career.

Big thanks to Bob Feerst and Lynette Sims from Utilities Aviation Specialists for introducing me to Warren.

[Tweet “Memory and past perception play an important part in how we see things”]

On the flying side Warren holds ratings on ATPL-Multi-engine, CPL helicopter, glider, lighter-than-air, and seaplanes.

He is an instructor on multiengine aeroplanes and gliders. One of his hobbies is collecting ratings and he has managed to fly a range of aircraft from 737s to Piper Cubs and R-22s.

Warren is the author of two books:
Moving through the ratings: Passing from Private to Professional Pilot
The Optometrist’s and Ophthalmologist’s Guide to Pilot’s Vision

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In this week’s episode:
01:30 Dr Warren De Haan Bio
02:15 Episode Sponsors trainmorepilots.com
03:10 What is vision science
04:25 Start of flying experience and collecting ratings
07:20 Medical training and eye care career
08:30 Vision research studies – contact lenses and pilots
11:30 Expert witness and consulting on legal cases – midair collisions, wire strike
13:50 Misconception that pilots will see the wire all the time
15:10 Importance of a recon to support vision processing
18:20 Vision processing/coding on the retina
21:40 Binocular vision
24:07 Visual angle and blossoming and visual discrimination
27:20 VFR look out and visual scanning techniques
31:30 Most important thing for helicopters pilots – won’t see things in time
32:45 Most common eye diseases
37:30 Lasik surgery
41:30 UV damage and sunglasses
46:23 Polarised glasses and canopies
47:10 Glass cockpits
49:36 Colour vision
51:00 Maintaining vision as we get older
53:00 Recommendations on prescription lenses – progressive lenses and bi-focals
56:50 Medical waivers
59:35 Contact details for Warren
1:02:50 Live call with Dennis Kenyon and his book ‘Dangerous Appointment’
1:04:26 Listener email – Josh
1:05:50 World Helicopter Day

Links from this week’s episode:
Warren on LinkedIn
Books authored by Warren
World Helicopter Day

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[Tweet “To be a safe pilot you always need to assume the worst”]

[Tweet “Must always get an ultraviolet treatment on your glasses”]

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Be part of the conversation and get involved in the comments section below. What questions do you have about aircrew vision?

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