Spatial Orientation in Flight

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.