IRFP-01
Metro Review
3.
We may be convinced we're tumbling when we're
straight and level
4.
Visual Illusions:
a.
False Horizon:
(1)
While flying over sloping cloud decks
or land that slopes gradually, pilots are
often compelled to fly with their wings
parallel to the slope rather than straight
and level
b.
Confusion of Ground Lights with Stars
(1)
Sparse, isolated ground lights can be
mistaken for stars
(2)
A line of ground lights may be
assumed to represent the horizon
(3)
This can lead pilots to maneuver so as
to put the ground "above" them or fly
into the ground because the perceived
horizon is below the actual one
c.
Autokinesis
(1)
A stationary light stared at for several
seconds in the dark will appear to
move
(2)
This can lead to mistaking the light for
another aircraft, and to attempt to
maneuver the aircraft to compensate
for the perceived movement of the light
5.
Vestibular Illusions
a.
The Leans
(1)
Most common form of spatial
disorientation
(2)
In a prolonged turn, the fluid in the
semicircular canals will stabilize and
may perceive a roll to wings level as a
turn in the opposite direction
(3)
This causes the pilot to lean in an
attempt to assume what they think is a
true vertical posture
(8-97) Change 2
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