Spatial Disorientation

Spatial Disorientation Visual Illusions

 

How does spatial disorientation affect a pilot?

Spatial disorientation can also affect instrument-rated private and commercial pilots in certain situations.

Spatial disorientation is more likely to happen when there is no visible horizon on a dark night or in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). 

If malfunctioning flight instruments, high workload or a failure in management to maintain a good CRM (Crew Resource Management), are present too, then the risk of spatial disorientation is increased.

Keep in mind, that general aviation airplane accidents are involving spatial disorientation.

Here are some tips for avoiding spatial disorientation especially during night flying.

Give your eyes time to adjust, beware of bright lighting, watch for false horizons, and always trust your instruments, you as a safety pilot will be contributing to keeping the skies safe for everyone.

And always remember spatial disorientation is well-defined as the inability of a pilot to correctly interpret aircraft attitude, altitude or airspeed in relation to the earth or other points of reference.

Understanding spatial disorientation is a key to fly safe. 

Avoid and spatial disorientation accident, refresh your knowledge’s and, I recommend you as a good safety pilot, read more about spatial disorientation. 

The 6 types of spatial disorientation, and how to prevent :

The leans.

Coriolis illusion.

Graveyard spirals.

Somatogravic Illusion.

Inversion Illusion.

Elevator Illusion.

Always Fly Safe! 

Safety Information is a free service of:

CRM 4 Pilots Aviation Consulting Inc

Miami- Florida