Question

Compare the different visual illusions encountered in the flight environment.

Answer 1

4 main types of visual illusions occurs in a flight environment

Vestibular

Visual

Landing

Atmospheric

Vestibular illusions are related to inner ear. Some types include Coriolis illusion,graveyard spin, graveyard spiral,inversion illusion etc.In graveyard spin, proper recovery from spin stops stimulating motion system and stimulate opposite direction spin.In graveyard spiral, prolonged c ordinated constant rate turn causes illusion of not turning. In inversion illusion, abrupt change from climate to straight level makes pilot feel tumbling backwards.

Visual illusions

False horizon: sloping clouds,obscured horizon ,make illusion of not aligning with horizon.Black hole approach :occur when landing is made at night from water or non lighted terrain where runway lights are the only source of light. Vertigo:flickering light in cockpit, anti collision light causes vertigo

Landing illusions

Runway width: narrow than usual runway creates illusion that aircraft that aircraft is at high altitude. Runway slope :up sloping runway create illusion that the aircraft is at higher altitude than it is.Featureless terrain:absence of ground features can create illusion that aircraft is at a higher altitude than it is .

Atmospheric illusions

Water refraction :rain on windscreen can cause illusion of at a higher altitude. Haze:causes illusion of farther from runway. Fog:create illusion of pitching up.