Visual illusions and spatial D Flashcards
Define spatial D
Pilots erroneous perception of position, attitude, or motion in relation to the earths gravity and surface
Define DVE
A state of reduced visibility where spatial situational awareness and AC control cant be maintained with the same precision as normal VMC
Counters to SD/mitigation
Good aircrew coordination
Not flying deteriorating weather
Trust instruments
Transfer flight controls if recognized
Types of spatial D
Type 1 - Unrecognized
Type 2 - Recognized (but recoverable by pilot experiencing SD)
Type 3 - incapacitating (Unrecoverable, need to transfer)
Vection
False perception of motion based on another object moving
False horizon
clouds, mountain ridges, coast lines etc mistaken for horizon
Confusion with ground lights
Mistaking ground lights for stars
Hight depth perception illusion
Insufficient visual queues to judge height based on depth perception. Water, sand, snow, flat surfaces kill depth perception ability. Pilot may misjudge true height above surface
Crater illusion
Illusion of landing into crater/being higher AHO than you actually are. Caused by search light being directed too far under the AC’s nose
Structural illusion
Caused by rain, snow, heat. Straight lines appearing curved in desert. Aircraft windscreen can also cause
size distance illusion
Size and shape constancy causing misperceptions when crewmember sees object of unfamiliar size (Huge runway, you think you are closer than you are etc)
Space constancy
foreshortening. Upslope runway looks larger, we think we are higher. Downslope creates illusion that we are lower than we are bc it looks smaller
Fixation
Task saturation fixation (everglades flight) and target fixation (Murder vision)
autokenesis
Single dim light at night viewed 6-12 seconds may appear to move
