What does Somatogravic mean?

The word Somatogravic is derived from somato meaning ‘of the body’ and gravic meaning ‘pertaining to the gravitational force’ and is a strong pitching sensation (either up or down) when the body is exposed to either high acceleration or decelerations (Kern, 1998 1).

What is a vestibular illusion?

Spatial disorientation In general, vestibular illusions occur under conditions in which a pilot is unable to see a clear horizontal reference. The risk is increased at night, in clouds or in bad weather. A number of vestibular-related spatial disorientation illusions have been well-described in the literature.

What illusion will blowing snow give you?

Whiteouts
Whiteouts are different than flat light, though they can be just as hazardous. Whiteouts occur when pilots experience a loss of depth perception due to “being surrounded by blowing snow, dust, sand, mud or water.

What can cause spatial disorientation?

Spatial Orientation in Flight Any differences or discrepancies between visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensory inputs result in a sensory mismatch that can produce illusions and lead to spatial disorientation.

Where do somatogyral and Somatogravic illusions occur?

Somatogyral illusions occur as a result of angular accelerations stimulating the semicircular canals. Somatogravic illusions, on the other hand, occur as a result of linear accelerations stimulating the otolith organs.

What causes the Somatogyral illusions in SKYbrary aviation?

Changes in linear acceleration, angular acceleration and vertical acceleration (gravity) which occur as a result of flight control inputs, made to accomplish a change in the flight path, are detected by the vestibular system and may create either or both of these illusions.

How is angular acceleration affected by Somatogyral illusions?

If the aircraft is banked, either intentionally or unknowingly, at the same time, the perception of angular acceleration may be underestimated because of a somatogyral illusion, leading to an instinctive tendency to increase the angle of bank.

How does an optical illusion cause spatial disorientation?

An optical illusion that can result in spatial disorientation. A rapid acceleration during takeoff can create an illusion of being in a nose-up attitude. The disoriented pilot will push the aircraft into a nose-low, or dive, attitude.