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In flight verification of the inversion illusion

G W McCarthy1, J R Stott

  • 1Royal Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine, Farnborough, Hants, UK.

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|April 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Many pilots experience an "inversion illusion" during flight maneuvers, feeling inverted even when not. This study confirms the illusion

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Area of Science:

  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Vestibular System Research

Background:

  • Pilot disorientation during flight maneuvers, particularly pushing over (bunting), is a known issue.
  • Existing research suggests inconsistencies in pilots' subjective orientation experiences.
  • The specific phenomenon of an "inversion illusion" requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of the "inversion illusion" in pilots and non-pilots.
  • To determine the influence of G-force exposure during specific flight maneuvers on perceived orientation.
  • To assess whether the sensation of backward rotation is consistently perceived during inversion illusions.

Main Methods:

  • Thirteen aircrew and naive subjects were tested in Hawk or Hunter jet training aircraft.
  • Subjects performed a standardized maneuver involving acceleration and a push to -1 G.
  • Orientation sensations were recorded with eyes closed and sun visor down during the maneuver.

Main Results:

  • 14 out of 30 maneuvers induced an "inversion illusion" in 9 out of 13 subjects.
  • Sensations varied, including feet-up rotation, indeterminate rotation, and sudden inversion.
  • Naive non-pilots (3/3) and pilots (6/8) reported the illusion, while test pilots (0/2) did not.

Conclusions:

  • The "inversion illusion" is a verifiable phenomenon experienced during specific flight dynamics.
  • The illusion is more prevalent in less experienced pilots and naive individuals.
  • The expected sensation of backward rotation during this illusion is often not perceived.

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