A spatial disorientation survey of experienced instructor pilots

We know spatial disorienting (SD) illusions occur and that they cost lives and aircraft. The losses are real, but what we don't know is which spatial-disorienting illusions are occurring and how frequently. This article discusses a survey that was developed to quantify the incidence and prevalence of spatial disorientating illusions or events. By asking pilots to report what SD illusions and how many of each illusion they have experienced in their entire flying career, we are attempting to study the prevalence and incidence rates of SD illusions.