Spatial Orientation in Flight

Abstract

Man's orientational mechanisms, and how those mechanisms fail in flight, are discussed in detail in this comprehensive review. Specific topics include: Mechanics and associated physiologic nomenclature; visual orientation; vestibular function and information processing; other senses of motion and position; spatial disorientation, including causes, types, examples, statistics, and methods of preventing spatial disorientation mishaps; and the significance, etiology, and therapy of motion sickness. Forty-three figures are included, many illustrating vestibular anatomy and physiology, and others depicting the more common visual and vestibular illusions in flight. Sixty-five classic references and a recommended reading list are also provided. Keywords: Spatial orientation; Spatial Disorientation; Motion sickness; Visual function; Vestibular function; Pilot vertigo.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1986
Accession Number
ADA183431

Entities

People

  • James W. Wolfe
  • Kent K. Gillingham

Organizations

  • United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Brain
  • Ear
  • Flight Training
  • Medical Personnel
  • Motion Sickness
  • Neural Pathways
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Psychology
  • Sensory Receptor Cells

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Library and Information Science
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.