Page 165 - PPL-engelsk 2025

Human Performance

How to avoid spatial disorientation:

- Turn around when the weather gets too bad.

- Practice instrument flying so that if you do end up in situations where you
don't have visual reference (or if you're flying VFR at night), you can

manage using instruments.

- But don't fly VFR and instrument flying at the same time. You're either on

instruments or VFR.

2.5.5.2 Graveyard spin and cross-coupling

If a pilot loses control in a spin while flying in clouds, they may only feel the

rotation for the first 10–20 seconds. After this, the fluid in the semicircular

canals moves at the same speed, stopping the sensation of spinning.

When the spin stops, it can feel like rotation in the opposite direction. Trying to

resist this sensation often leads to re-entering the spin.

Creation from a spin requires good visual control of the

horizon and/or instruments.

In instrument flight, cross-checking instruments should be done by moving your

eyes, not your head.

This is why instruments are arranged to minimize head movements.

2.5.5.3 The leans

You may hear the term “leans” in connection with spatial disorientation.
This refers to false sensations of orientation, which can be corrected by briefly

referencing the horizon.

Flight Theory PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 165