Spatial Orientation in Flight

Abstract

Human spatial 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 orientational senses; spatial disorientation, including definitions, types, causes, examples, statistics, and methods of preventing spatial disorientation mishaps; and the significance, etiology, and therapy of motion sickness. Forty-four figures are included, many illustrating vestibular anatomy and physiology, and others depicting the more common visual and vestibular illusions in flight. Motion sickness, Spatial orientation, Pilot vertigo, Vestibular function, Spatial disorientation, Visual orientation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA279306

Entities

People

  • Fred H. Previc
  • Kent K. Gillingham

Organizations

  • Armstrong Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

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

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.