A Classification Method for Unrecognized Spatial Disorientation Based on Perceptual Process

Abstract

Spatial disorientation (SD) is the pilot's wrong judgment of flight altitude, position, and motion in three-dimensional space during flight. SD is among the significant causes of flight accidents that seriously affect flight safety. Unrecognized SD causes most of these accidents. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of unrecognized SD based on the brain's perceptual process. According to the process of sensation and perception, we put forth a new hypothesis of a classification method for unrecognized SD: unrecognized SD might be subdivided into insensate SD, unperceived SD, and perceived SD. There might be some meaningful differences in brain activity in EEG signals or fMRI between unperceived SD and perceived SD. The classification method in this study was proposed based on some related research reports and provided new ideas and methods for scholars to study unrecognized SD. If the hypothesis can be proved, it will provide a basis for scholars learning the mechanism of unrecognized SD and subsequently putting forward countermeasures in SD training. Moreover, as a consequence, the subdivision will contribute to pilot selection, and some specialized SD training for countermeasures could be put forward to reduce aircraft accidents.

Detection of unrecognized spatial disorientation: A theoretical perspective

“…Literature shows that some scholars studied the pilots' cognition and perception of SD using the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) [7,52]. In addition to fMRI application, positron emission tomography (PET) [53] and magnetoencephalography (MEG) [19] have also been adopted to study SD.…”

“…Incapacitating SD, type III, refers to a kind of mental imbalance, in which pilots misjudge the flight altitude, position, and motion status, and they are aware of these errors. In recent years, scholars agree that the three types of SD are a continuous process [7]. They are divided into three categories based on the different cognitive levels in the brain [3].…”

Unrecognized Spatial Disorientation Recognition: A Methodological Study

“…Kennedy et al [24] evaluated simulator-induced SD using SSQ in 1997. Other researchers also used the SSQ to assess simulator sickness in follow-up trials [14,15]. Along with studying simulator nausea, other researchers used SSQ to investigate the impact of SD toxicity during virtual flight [16,17].…”

“…SD usually presents with signs close to motion sickness and simulator sickness [14]. According to most researchers, SD, simulator nausea, and MS are both classified as orientation conditions, which overlap [7].…”

“…The brain can encounter sensory interference if some device receives inappropriate or wrong input [13]. SD is triggered by a conflict in knowledge given by these programs [14]. Often SD cases are caused by visual and vestibular causes.…”