How do you prevent spatial disorientation when flying?


How do you prevent spatial disorientation when flying?

Here are a few tips for avoiding spatial disorientation during night flight:
  1. Give your eyes time to adjust. The rods in our eyes need about 30 minutes to completely adjust to darkness. ...
  2. Avoid flying in inclement weather. ...
  3. Beware of bright lighting. ...
  4. Watch out for false horizons. ...
  5. Trust your instruments.


What is the most effective way to use the eyes during night flight?

At night, your eyes use the “rods” more than the “cones”. There are more rods located away from the rear center of your eyeball, making your night vision more effective if you use “off center viewing” or try to see things more with your peripheral vision at night.


Why do pilots get vertigo?

Perilymph fistulae (PLF) are rare and controversial disorders of the inner ear, mainly seen in Scuba divers and individuals with barotrauma such pilots and airline attendants. Their symptoms are similar to individuals with SCD, in that both can cause vertigo from pressure fluctuations.


How do pilots deal with vertigo?

“There is only ONE action that will overcome vertigo upon entering IFR conditions. The pilot must immediately transition to flight instruments to determine the aircraft's attitude and respond accordingly to maintain aircraft control.