SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-trust-instruments-disorientation

If bodily sensations disagree with reliable instruments in IMC, which should you trust?

Trust the flight instruments.

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  1. The flight instruments ✔
  2. The inner ear
  3. Seat pressure alone

Why: The inner ear can create convincing false sensations without a visible horizon. Make control inputs from reliable instrument indications and wait for the false feeling to fade.

Huh, didn't know that: A very gradual turn can fall below the inner ear's motion-sensing threshold.

The dad joke
The inner ear gave directions, but the instruments had the better map.
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References

Answer: The flight instruments. The inner ear can create convincing false sensations without a visible horizon. Make control inputs from reliable instrument indications and wait for the false feeling to fade.

  1. FAA Spatial Disorientation: Trust Your Instruments www.faa.gov/pilots/training/airman_education/topics_of_interest/spatial_disorientation
    In all cases of spatial disorientation, the pilot must rely on the flight instruments when making control inputs and must be patient until the false sensations dissipate.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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