Title:
The Night the World Turned Upside Down - Battling Spatial Disorientation
Topic:
A First Hand Account of Spatial Disorientation during a Night A-10 Close Air Support Mission in Afghanistan
Brief Description:
Spatial disorientation is causal in 8% of general aviation accidents, with 90% of those accidents resulting in a fatality. Flying poses unique challenges for the human body. Our sensory systems were designed for movement on the ground, not in a three-dimensional environment where visual cues can disappear in seconds. When the visual horizon is removed, the vestibular system and proprioceptive cues can create powerful—but false—sensations of pitch, bank, or rotation.
Fatigue, dehydration, poor nutrition, and stress further degrade cognitive processing and instrument scan discipline, increasing vulnerability to these illusions. Through continued education, targeted training, and deliberate techniques to recognize high-risk conditions early, pilots can significantly reduce the likelihood of spatial disorientation and respond effectively when it occurs.
Select Number:
SO09141827
Location of Seminar:
Shoals Flight Center
1729 T Ed Campbell Drive
Conference Room
Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
Directions to Venue:
Presentation will be in the Shoals Flight Center conference room.
View Map
Seating:
20
seats at the facility,
12
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 2
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
Human Factors Promotion
Additional Event Documents:
