Technology based pilot disorientation countermeasures

Spatial disorientation is defined as the failure to perceive, or to perceive incorrectly the position, motion and attitude of the aircraft or oneself within the veridical vertical and the earth horizontal reference. The mechanism of spatial orientation is based on the neural integration of concordant and redundant visual, vestibular and somatosensory inputs and critical interpretation with our internal model established from past experience and training. Unlike G-induced loss of consciousness or hypoxia, SD occurs in less well-defined environments and it is influenced by physiological and perceptual limitations. The complexity of SD in the flight environment demands a “wide-angle” holistic approach that includes research, training and technology advancement. Examples will be provided in this presentation to demonstrate the necessity of a coordinated effort from operators, scientists, engineers and research sponsors to lessen the impact of SD on flight safety.