Instrument Flight
Background
A few simple precautions to take on entry into instrument flight conditions can help you avoid
disorientation:
1. Bring instruments into your scan one at a time (attitude indicator first).
2. Be wings level.
3. Have the aircraft trimmed for level flight.
4. Make all subsequent configuration changes while wings level.
Continuous changes between visual flight and instrument flight during periods of reduced visibility can
easily result in disorientation. While in an environment of actual instrument flight conditions, disruption
from a scan focused predominantly on instruments to an outside reference, such as the horizon or ground,
can induce spatial disorientation.
In instrument flight, factors such as fatigue, boredom, and hypnosis are more likely to occur. To
counteract this, you may occasionally move about in the seat, shake your head, or change the intensity of
cockpit lighting.
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