Spatial disorientation episodes among F-15C pilots during Operation Desert Storm

Spatial Orientation (SO) under flight conditions is the accurate "integration" of sensory inputs from the dynamic aviation environment that result in safe and effective goal-oriented performance. Insidious sensory mismatches routinely occur during flight, impeding pilot performance. When this sensory dissonance occurs, if not appropriately resolved, it will result in perceived or actual errors in aircraft control that are estimated to cost the Air Force between $150 and $200M per annum in aircraft accidents. A scientific survey was created and administered to 96 F-16C combat pilots after their return from Desert Storm. The survey sought to determine where in the flight profile, and under what conditions, spatial disorientation (SD) episodes occurred. The survey consisted of multiple choice and open-ended questions. The analyses of the data revealed that visual transitions from inside to outside the cockpit (or the reciprocal) under different conditions of flight were associated with the occurrence of SD episodes. The frequency of SD episodes varied depending on visual transitions (or no visual transitions) and types of flight conditions (for example, nighttime and bad weather). This SD survey provided flight information that allowed us to direct research to those areas that were problematic during combat operations.