Scientists scan Pilots' brains Mid-Flight to unlock secrets of elite performance

NCT ID NCT06606925

First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study uses functional MRI (fMRI) to see which parts of the brain are active when military pilots perform virtual flight simulations. Researchers will scan pilots at two different points during training to track how brain activity changes as skills improve. The goal is to understand the neural circuits behind precise flight performance, which could one day help optimize training for aviators.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
fMRI with virtual reality flight simulator
What this could lead to
If successful, this could reveal which brain circuits are key for precise flight performance, potentially improving pilot training methods.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage observational study with only 35 participants, so findings may not generalize to all pilots or real-world conditions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph & Lackland

    San Antonio, Texas, 78150, United States

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