Figure 4

Unfolding of trials. (1) the helicopter hovered in a stationary position in Earth reference at an initial altitude \({Z}_{init}\). The countdown indicated the remaining time in this stationary position. (2) The helicopter slowly decreased altitude (lift is reduced to 97,119 N). A second countdown was then presented, showing, how much time was left before participants were allowed to press either the "yes" or "no" button. (3) The second countdown disappeared when it reached 0 s. and participants were then allowed to either attempt the deck-landing maneuver by pressing "yes", or abort it by pressing "no". (4) If no response occurred, the helicopter reached the deck and participants were given some feedback information to encourage them to respond in the subsequent trials. Grey arrows show the phases during which participants could not press the "yes" or "no" buttons (they were instructed not to respond during these phases, and any responses occurring during these phases were not taken into account). The light blue arrow shows the time interval during which participants were expected to produce a response.