Integration of Sensory Input

Question 1

The result of bright runway lights -

The result of lack of runway lights -

Answer 1

The pilot may think he is closer than in reality, resulting in a high approach.

The pilot may think he is farther away than in reality, resulting in a low approach.

Question 2

Name this definition:

This is an illusory phenomenon that makes a static light, such as a very bright star, appear to move when stared at a period of 5 - 10 seconds in a dark environment.

Answer 2

Autokinesis

Question 3

A very narrow runway may create the illusion that the aircraft is -

A runway which is sloped downwards may create the illusion that the aircraft is -

The absence of ground features, such as dark areas, water, can create the illusion of -

Answer 3

Higher than it actually is

Lower than it actually is

Being higher than in reality

Question 4

The “black hole” effect results in -

Answer 4

The pilot thinking he is higher than in reality, resulting in a low approach.

Question 5

The 8 vestibular illusions:

Answer 5

1. The leans
2. Oculogravic/somatogravic illusion
3. Coriolis effect
4. Graveyard spin
5. Graveyard spiral
6. Inversion illusion
7. Elevator illusion
8. Seat-of-the-pants sense

Question 6

Name the illusion:

If the pilot inadvertently rolls into a turn rate below the detection threshold of the semi-circular canals, he may perceive his wings to be level. If the now realises this situation from instrument indications and rolls out of the turn at a rate that does stimulate the the semi-circular canals, he may indeed roll the wings level but feel as though he has banked away from the wings level situation, will feel compelled to align is body to the perceived vertical.

Answer 6

The leans

Question 7

Name the illusion:

This is caused by linear acceleration. In level flight at a constant speed, the only force experienced by the pilot is that of his own weight downward. During an acceleration, an inertial force is produced in the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, backward. The resultant vector, downwards and backwards, causes the otoliths interpret this acceleration as a pitch up. Deceleration causes a pitch down illusion. This is commonly experienced shortly after take-off at night.

Answer 7

Oculogravic/somatogravic illusion.

Question 8

The illusion which will cause. a tumbling sensation if the pilot’s head is to be moved?

Answer 8

Coriolis effect

Question 9

Name the illusion:

Whilst the semi-circular canals are able to determine angular acceleration, the are unable to perceive angular velocity. The resultant effect presents itself during a spin, with no external reference. When the pilot enters the spin, he undergoes an initial angular acceleration and continues to perceive the angular motion of the spin after the angular acceleration has ceased. This. may last for up to 20seconds, during which time the endolymph velocity relative to canals reaches zero, resulting in the perception that motion has ceased. If the pilot now initiated recovery from the spin, he will undergo a deceleration interpreted by the semi-circular canals as a spin in the opposite direction. Reluctance to believe the aircraft’s instruments and deprived of external reference, the pilot is tempted to make a correction in the opposite direction to the perceived spin thereby placing the aircraft further into the original spin.

Answer 9

Graveyard spin

Question 10

Name the illusion:

This similar to the graveyard spin, except that it follows a co-ordinated turn at constant. rate.

Answer 10

Graveyard spiral

Question 11

Name the illusion:

If an abrupt change from a climb to straight and level is made, this may create the illusion of tumbling backwards. A pilot so disorientated may react by pushing the aircraft into a nose low attitude with a resultant increase in the illusion.

Answer 11

Inversion illusion

Question 12

Name the illusion:

When an aircraft is subjected to an abrupt upward vertical acceleration, perhaps by an updraft, the illusion of being in a climb can be created. In response, the disorientated pilot may react by pushing the aircraft into a nose low attitude. Similarly, an abrupt downward vertical acceleration will create the illusion of being in a descent, with the pilot reacting by pulling the aircraft into a nose up attitude.

Answer 12

Elevator illusion

Question 13

Name the definition:

This can best be described as sensation of rotation when in fact no such rotation is occurring, or a sense of dizziness as a result of the vestibular system being unable to adapt to an abrupt or unexpected motion.

Answer 13

Vertigo

Question 14

The 2 types of vertigo:

Answer 14

1. Pressure vertigo

2. Flicker vertigo

Question 15

This illusion can result from the inability of the eustachian tube to equalise pressure between the ear and the outside, especially where the pressure change affecting both ears is unequal.

Answer 15

Pressure Vertigo

Question 16

This illusion can be caused by a flashing lights, such as an aircraft strobe light being reflected from cloud or fog, or the sun or a bright light shining on a rotating propeller blade or through helicopter rotors. Pilots should switch strobe lights off when flying through cloud.

Answer 16

Flicker Vertigo