IR.IV.A.R2
Risk managementSpatial disorientation and optical illusions.
From the FAA library
- Chapter 5: Maintaining Aircraft Control: Upset Prevention and Recovery Training › Upset Prevention and Recovery › Spatial Disorientation
Spatial Disorientation Spatial disorientation has been a significant factor in many airplane upset accidents. Accident data from 2008 to 2013 shows nearly 200 accidents associated with spatial disorientation with more than 70% of those being fatal. All pilots are susceptible ... false sensory illusions while flying at night or in certain weather conditions. These illusions can lead to a conflict between actual attitude indications and what the pilot senses is the correct attitude. Disoriented pilots may not always be aware…
- Chapter 17: Aeromedical Factors › Diving or Rolling Beyond the Vertical Plane › Coping with Spatial Disorientation
Coping with Spatial Disorientation To prevent illusions and their potentially disastrous consequences, pilots can: 1. Understand the causes of these illusions and remain constantly alert for them. Take the opportunity to experience spatial disorientation illusions in a device, such ... Barany chair, a Vertigon, or a Virtual Reality Spatial Disorientation Demonstrator. 2. Always obtain and understand preflight weather briefings. 3. Before flying in marginal visibility (less than 3 miles) or where a visible horizon is not evident, such as flight…
- Chapter 17: Aeromedical Factors › Haze › Optical Illusions
Haze The sensations that lead to illusions during instrument flight conditions are normal perceptions experienced by pilots. These undesirable sensations cannot be completely prevented, but through training and awareness, pilots can ignore or suppress them by developing absolute reliance ... flight instruments. As pilots gain proficiency in instrument flying, they become less susceptible to these illusions and their effects. Optical Illusions Of the senses, vision is the most important for safe flight. However, various terrain features and atmospheric conditions…
- Chapter 3: Human Factors › Coping with Spatial Disorientation
night adaptation. Remember that illness, medication, alcohol, fatigue, sleep loss, and mild hypoxia are likely to increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation. 8. Most importantly, become proficient in the use of flight instruments and rely upon them. Trust the instruments ... disregard your sensory perceptions. The sensations that lead to illusions during instrument flight conditions are normal perceptions experienced by pilots. These undesirable sensations cannot be completely prevented, but through training and awareness, pilots can ignore or suppress them by developing…
- Chapter 17: Aeromedical Factors › Treatment of Hypoxia › Spatial Disorientation and Illusions
distinguish between acceleration forces due to gravity and those resulting from maneuvering the aircraft, which can lead to sensory illusions and false impressions of an aircraft’s orientation and movement. Under normal flight conditions, when there is a visual reference ... visual references outside the aircraft, there are many situations in which combinations of normal motions and forces create convincing illusions that are difficult to overcome. Prevention is usually the best remedy for spatial disorientation. Unless a pilot has many hours…
- Chapter 3: Human Factors › Optical Illusions
Optical Illusions Of the senses, vision is the most important for safe flight. However, various terrain features and atmospheric conditions can create optical illusions. These illusions are primarily associated with landing. Since pilots must transition from reliance on instruments ... instrument approach, it is imperative they be aware of the potential problems associated with these illusions and take appropriate corrective action. The major illusions leading to landing errors are described below. Runway Width Illusion A narrower-than-usual runway…