12 / 20
When an aircraft stops rotating in a spin, those on board will experience the sensation of..
  • A
    the immediate stabilisation of the aircraft.
  • B
    starting a spin in the opposite direction.
  • C
    turning in the same direction.
  • D
    a sharp dipping of the aircraft’s nose.

Refer to figure.

SOMATOGYRAL ILLUSION

The somatogyral illusion is due to the inability of the semicircular canal receptors of the vestibular system to continuously perceive a sustained angular velocity. During the execution of a sustained coordinated turn, a sustained roll or a sustained rotation, the vestibular system will correctly perceive the rotational input only during the first few seconds of the maneuver. After approximately 15 to 30 seconds of constant angular acceleration, such as what occurs during a steady turn, the vestibular system stabilizes to the angular velocity and the pilot may have the illusion that rotation has ceased.
  • The leans/somatogyral illusion occur when an abrupt recovery or a rapid correction is made to a bank. If you make such a recovery, your semicircular canals sense a roll in the opposite direction. This may cause you to reenter the original attitude. When you return the aircraft to a wings-level condition, you will tend to lean in the direction of the incorrect bank until the semicircular canal fluids return to normal. Maintaining a level attitude for a minute or two genrally will stop the leans.

Your Notes (not visible to others)



This question has appeared on the real examination, you can find the related countries below.