5.1 With the advent of thick, highly angled aircraft transparencies, multiple imaging has been more frequently cited as an optical problem by pilots. Secondary images (of outside lights), often varying in intensity and displacement across the windscreen, can give the pilot deceptive optical cues of his altitude, velocity, and approach angle, increasing his visual workload. Current specifications for multiple imaging in transparencies are vague and not quantitative. Typical specifications state "multiple imaging shall not be objectionable."

5.2 The angular separation of the secondary and primary images has been shown to relate to the pilot's acceptability of the windscreen. This procedure provides a way to quantify angular separation so a more objective evaluation of the transparency can be made. This procedure is of use for research of multiple imaging, quantifying aircrew complaints, or as the basis for windscreen specifications.

5.3 It is of note that the basic multiple imaging characteristics of a windscreen are determined early in the design phase and are virtually impossible to change after the windscreen has been manufactured. In fact, a perfectly manufactured windscreen has some multiple imaging. For a particular windscreen, caution is advised in the selection of specification criteria for multiple imaging, as inherent multiple imaging characteristics have the potential to vary significantly depending upon windscreen thickness, material, or installation angle. Any tolerances that might be established are advised to allow for inherent multiple imaging characteristics.