A spatial disorientation survey of experienced instructor pilots

Sipes, Walter; Lessard, Charles S.

doi:10.1109/51.827403

Cited by 27 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 1 publication

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“…If the pilot performs a spin correction, he/she may perceive spinning in the opposite direction, which tion studies. It is worth noting that, in all previously cited SD surveys [14,17,18,20,23,24], and also in the present study, the pilots reported the incidences of SD that they had recognized and could categorize accordingly.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 60%

A survey of spatial disorientation incidence in Polish military pilots

Lewkowicz¹,

Biernacki²

2020

Int J Occup Med Environ Health

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The study aimed to establish the current incidence and severity of spatial disorientation (SD) in Polish military pilots when flying different aircraft types over their entire careers, and to determine how SD training and pilots' flight experience might benefit their recognition of situations that may cause SD. Material and Methods: Overall, 176 military Polish pilots (aged 33.8±7.72 years, the number of flying hours: 1194±941) flying different aircraft types, who attended the aviation medicine course, were surveyed and asked to report their episodes of SD. To collect anonymous data, a postal SD questionnaire (INFO PUB 61/117/5) was used. Results: In the overall incidence rate of SD (96%), the most commonly experienced SD illusion was "loss of horizon due to atmospheric conditions" (81%). More SD incidents were reported by pilots who had received SD training. Some differences in the categories of the most commonly experienced SD illusion episodes between aircraft types were found. A severe episode adversely affecting flight safety was categorized by 10% of the respondents. Conclusions: In Polish military aviation, episodes of SD are a significant threat to aviation safety. There is evidence for the beneficial effects of SD training in the improvement of pilots' ability to recognize those factors that lead to SD.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 60%

A survey of spatial disorientation incidence in Polish military pilots

Lewkowicz¹,

Biernacki²

2020

Int J Occup Med Environ Health

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“…Although the behavioral consequences of this illusion are not generally obvious, it can affect orientation perception during flight. For example, a survey of US Air Force pilots showed that 27% of the sample reported experiencing the perception of upward tilt of the aircraft during prolonged linear acceleration (Sipes and Lessard, 2000). …”

Section: Constant Linear Acceleration Biases Perceived Orientationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gravity estimation and verticality perception

Dakin

Rosenberg

2018

Handbook of Clinical Neurology

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Gravity is a defining force that governs the evolution of mechanical forms, shapes and anchors our perception of the environment, and imposes fundamental constraints on our interactions with the world. Within the animal kingdom, humans are relatively unique in having evolved a vertical, bipedal posture. Although a vertical posture confers numerous benefits, it also renders us less stable than quadrupeds, increasing susceptibility to falls. The ability to accurately and precisely estimate our orientation relative to gravity is therefore of utmost importance. Here we review sensory information and computational processes underlying gravity estimation and verticality perception. Central to gravity estimation and verticality perception is multisensory cue combination, which serves to improve the precision of perception and resolve ambiguities in sensory representations by combining information from across the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. We additionally review experimental paradigms for evaluating verticality perception, and discuss how particular disorders affect the perception of upright. Together, the work reviewed here highlights the critical role of multisensory cue combination in gravity estimation, verticality perception, and creating stable gravity-centered representations of our environment.

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“…This scenario is known as the graveyard spiral. Surveys of pilot experience of spatial disorientation have tended to concentrate on the incidence of known in-flight illusions [12]. There are several difficulties with this approach.…”

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Orientation and disorientation in aviation

Stott

2013

Extrem Physiol Med

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On the ground, the essential requirement to remain orientated is a largely unconscious activity. In flight, orientation requires a conscious effort by the pilot particularly when the visual environment becomes degraded and a deceptive force environment becomes the frame of reference. Furthermore, an unusual force environment can determine the apparent location of objects within a limited visual scene, sometimes with disastrous consequences. This review outlines the sources of pilot disorientation that arise from the visual and force environment of flight and their interaction. It challenges the value of the traditional illusion-based approach to the subject both to aircrew and to surveys of disorientation. Also, it questions the emphasis on the shortcomings of vestibular function as the physiological basis for disorientation. While military accidents from all causes have shown a decline, there has been no corresponding reduction in accidents involving disorientation, 85% of which are the results of unrecognised disorientation. This finding has implications for the way in which pilots are taught about disorientation in the interest of enhanced flight safety. It argues for a greater use of conventional fixed base simulators to create disorientating scenarios rather than complex motion devices to create unusual sensations.

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A spatial disorientation survey of experienced instructor pilots

Cited by 27 publications

References 1 publication

A survey of spatial disorientation incidence in Polish military pilots

A survey of spatial disorientation incidence in Polish military pilots

Gravity estimation and verticality perception

Orientation and disorientation in aviation

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