FAA Ground School Practice Test

If a pilot experiences spatial disorientation in restricted visibility, what is the best action to take?

1. Rely on visual cues

2. Follow instinctive feelings

3. Rely on aircraft instrument indications

4. Increase altitude to avoid disorientation

The correct answer is: Rely on aircraft instrument indications

When a pilot experiences spatial disorientation, especially in conditions of restricted visibility, relying on aircraft instrument indications is the most effective and safest action to take. Instrument flight rules (IFR) training emphasizes the importance of trusting instrument readings instead of relying on visual cues or instinctive feelings, which can often be misleading in such scenarios. Spatial disorientation occurs when a pilot's sensory perception and body position deteriorate, making it challenging to determine the aircraft's attitude relative to the horizon. In limited visibility conditions, visual references are often inadequate, leading pilots to misinterpret their position in space. Instruments provide accurate data regarding altitude, heading, and attitude, equipping the pilot with essential information to maintain control of the aircraft safely. Other options, like relying on visual cues or instinctive feelings, can lead to grave errors, as they do not provide reliable data, especially when the visual references are obscured. Increasing altitude might seem like a plausible solution but does not guarantee a resolution of the disorientation. Therefore, trusting the aircraft's instrument indications is critical in navigating through challenging conditions and ensuring safe flight operations.