An archaic definition of disorientation literally meant "difficulty in facing the east." To the pilot, it more often means "Which way is up?" Disorientation, or vertigo, is actually a state of temporary spatial confusion resulting from misleading information sent to the brain by various sensory organs. The body's elaborate navigational system was superbly designed for … Continue reading Medical Handbook For Pilots Chapter 14 – Disorientation (Vertigo)
Tag: IFR
Oxygen Irregularities
Both pilots and controllers are educated to recognize the effects of oxygen deprivation and hypoxia. This training can be vital in safely resolving oxygen-related pilot incapacitation. Several ASRS reports illustrate: While at FL250 on an IFR flight plan, my oxygen line became disconnected from the regulator. I could hear the oxygen escaping and thought the … Continue reading Oxygen Irregularities
Mechanics of the Human Mind
A general aviation pilot rushed to make a VIFNO (Void If Not Off by) departure time for an IFR flight at night. Once in the clouds, he suffered a gyro failure and subsequent disorientation. He reported to ASRS that his prior instrument and simulator training were unequal to the "mechanics of the human mind" experienced … Continue reading Mechanics of the Human Mind
Flying Duo In The Clouds
Couples who share flying experiences face special challenges in learning to work and communicate as a team. This is especially true of IFR flight into weather conditions. Several reports from ASRS files describe the various things that can go wrong ? and right, too ? when a flying duo is "in the clouds." Gee Whiz … Continue reading Flying Duo In The Clouds
What Next? Consider An Instrument Rating by Jerry Plante
The transition from student pilot to certificated pilot commences with the designated examiner handing you a temporary certificate with the usual warning; This is a license to learn." Some of us take that statement to mean that we're not quite ready for prime time, and others grab anyone who will go flying and buzz around … Continue reading What Next? Consider An Instrument Rating by Jerry Plante
Night Forced Landings by Peter Bedell
When it comes to flying small airplanes, there's not much that's worse than having to make a forced landing at night. Let's face it, most aircraft owners and pilots who fly for pleasure are going to do it during the day; that's just the way it usually works out. Although it's not the only factor … Continue reading Night Forced Landings by Peter Bedell
Code/A Alert
NASA CALLBACK REPORT: A pilot reported that he used GPS successfully to navigate to a distant point on an IFR flight plan ? but ran afoul of the FARs in the process: IFR flight plan filed on airways [with] equipment Code/A. Aircraft equipped with 2 VFR GPS units, with current database. Requested and received vectors … Continue reading Code/A Alert
Coast-to-Coast in a 172 by Jeff Mitchell
Prolog: The following is a journal of a transcontinental trip that I took in a Cessna 172L (150 HP), N7262Q, from June 30 to July 12, 1995. I am a 500 hour commercial pilot with an instrument rating and fly purely for recreation. Questions or comments are welcome. Preflight Planning: Early '95 - Started telling … Continue reading Coast-to-Coast in a 172 by Jeff Mitchell
Samurai Airmanship by Rod Machado
Miyamoto Musashi, one of the greatest samurai swordsman of feudal Japan, approached his assailant--an enemy of the emperor. Unsheathing his sword, he inched toward his foe, ready for the brief but deadly encounter. Suddenly, the assailant spat in Musashi's face. Composed, yet stunned, Musashi resheathed his sword, calmly turned and walked away. The moment spittle … Continue reading Samurai Airmanship by Rod Machado
First IFR Solo by Keith Vitense
Background: I had been working on the requirements for the IFR ticket since March of this year. My checkride was November 14th. As with my PP checkride, I didn't fly as well as I could have, but the examiner was evidently able to determine that I would be able to fly safely under instrument conditions, … Continue reading First IFR Solo by Keith Vitense