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When might a pilot have the sensation of a nose-low attitude?
  • A
    When rapidly decelerating in straight, horizontal flight.
  • B
    When carrying out a sustained, gentle turn.
  • C
    During angular acceleration.
  • D
    When rapidly accelerating in straight, horizontal flight.

Refer to figure.

This question refers to the Somatogravic effect or Somatogravic illusion. Somatogravic illusion is one of the most common forms of vestibular or false sensation illusion which may be encountered when no clear horizon is present and flying wholly or partly by visual external reference is attempted. This effect is prevalent during high accelerations/deccelerations and it is the tendency – in the absence of visual references – to incorrectly perceive acceleration as an increase in pitch attitude and deceleration as a decrease in pitch attitude. 
  • This occurs because, for instance, during a sudden forward linear acceleration, the otoliths are moved backwards. This will give the signals to the brain that the head is tilting backwards. Thus the pilot feel that he/she is climbing. The pilot’s response to this illusion would be to push the yolk or the stick forward to pitch the nose of the aircraft down.
    The reverse takes place during a deceleration.

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