Introduction: Autokinesis refers to the perception of motion which is experienced by an aircrew when he fixates his gaze on a stationary point/source of light in an otherwise completely darkened environment. A study was conducted in the Department of Acceleration Physiology and Spatial Orientation, Institute of Aerospace Medicine to determine the time taken for onset of autokinesis in the disorientation simulator (Air Fox DISO) and the effectiveness of various intervention strategies to break the illusion. Material and Methods: A total of 103 randomly selected fighter pilots participated in the study. They were briefed about the illusion and the various interventions used to counteract it, such as: (a) Shrugging of shoulders without breaking gaze, (b) stretching of arms without breaking gaze, (c) breaking of gaze for 5 s and (d) breaking of gaze for 10 s (if the illusion is not broken after breaking of gaze for 5 s). Time taken for autokinesis to set in and the effectiveness of the interventions used were noted. Subjective feedback from the participating aircrew was also obtained on their experience on autokinesis illusion in active flying through a structured questionnaire. Results: The average time required for onset of the autokinesis illusion in the DISO was observed to be 20.3 ± 15.5 s (range 4.1–121.4 s). Of the 103 aircrew participants, 100 (97.1%) reported that the intervention of stretching of arms was effective, 94 aircrew (91.3%) reported that the intervention of shoulder shrug was effective in breaking the illusion and 99 aircrew (96.1%) were able to counter the illusion by breaking their gaze for duration of 5 s. Autokinesis was experienced in active flying by 17 aircrew, accounting for an incidence of 16.5%. This study reveals that autokinesis involves the interplay of vision, vestibular system, as well as the proprioceptive stimulus in counteracting this illusion. A combination of gaze break and shoulder shrug/arm stretch could be the most appropriate intervention strategy under such circumstances. The operational scenarios conducive for causing this illusion and the physiological basis for the various intervention strategies have been discussed. Conclusion: The autokinesis illusion though considered benign has got significant potential for distraction during operational flying. The intervention strategies discussed in the study are effective in breaking the illusion. The pilot community needs to be aware of the preconditions, mechanism, and effectiveness of the intervention strategies in countering this illusion.

Introduction: In times of COVID-19, when all institutions remained closed even post lock-down, the Airmen Training School of Indian Air Force proceeded with the recruitment of airmen. The present study intends to explore the incidence and transmission dynamics of COVID-19 among these freshly recruits who were quarantined in barracks with each barrack serving as one cohort. Material and Methods: In an observational study, 2978 male Air Force recruits, between the age group of 18-22 years, in two batches between 1st to 31st July 2020, were followed up in the quarantine period post recruitment. Since the quarantine was unconventional in terms of being in barracks, special and unique precautions such as repeated screening, delegation of specific toilets per billets, three ply mask distributions, Bio-Medical Waste Disposal etc were paid utmost attention. The COVID 19 cases were treated at the in-house isolation facility and the contacts with the symptomatics tested with RT-PCR or RAT before release from quarantine. All individuals were monitored with active surveillance and the data was meticulously maintained with zero attrition. Incidence, Secondary Attack Rate (SAR), demographic characteristics and others aspects of transmission dynamics were analyzed. Results: The incidence and SAR was observed to be 8.1% (71 primary cases) and 15.59% (170 secondary cases). 64.7% of cases were symptomatic with an average of 15 days of hospitalization. The rate positivity of testing with RTPCR or RAT was 11.44%. Severity was more marked in the first batch than the second batch of recruits. The overall R0 was found to be 2.39. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed some interesting characteristics of COVID-19 transmission dynamics. The cumulative incidence was found to be higher than national average. The variations between the recruits from different part of the country and the two batches could be attributed to the travel distance and mode of conveyance. The study also validates the mild nature of the infection in young adults. Fair conclusion on the implication of good quarantine and isolation measures and regular surveillance for symptoms for early diagnosis has also been compellingly indicated from these observations.