Figure 17.
Confusion of a cloud bank with the horizon.
its potential must be recognized. The problem can be caused by the
flickering of sunlight through turning rotors or propellers or perhaps even
the reflection of a rotating beacon off a cloud.
g. Fixation. Fixation is said to occur when a pilot ignores
orientation cues while focusing his attention on another object. Target
hypnosis is a common type of fixation. The pilot becomes so intent upon
hitting a target that the pull-up is delayed so long the aircraft hits the
ground.
4.
SPATIAL DISORIENTATION AND VESTIBULAR ILLUSIONS
In flight, the vestibular apparatus may allow certain movements to
remain unperceived while creating the illusion of movements that do not
really exist. A pilot who does not correctly perceive his position,
attitude and motion relative to the earth is spatially disoriented.
Obviously, he is not expected to rely on first-hand perceptions under all
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