A Classification Method for Unrecognized Spatial Disorientation Based on Perceptual Process

Chenru Hao,Xiaoya Fan,Li Cheng,Ruibin Zhao,Chunnan Dong,Xinwei Li,Lihua Qiao,Lisha Guo,Xiuyuan Li

doi:10.1109/access.2020.3012821

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.

Highlights

Spatial Disorientation (SD) refers to the pilot’s wrong judgment of the position, motion state, altitude, and flight angle of himself or the aircraft during the flight [1]
OF THE HYPOTHESES In this study, new hypotheses were proposed: (1) Unrecognized SD could be subdivided into insensate SD, unperceived SD, and perceived SD. (2) There might be some significant differences in EEG signals or fMRI in brain activity between unperceived SD and perceived SD
OF THE HYPOTHESES In conclusion, unrecognized SD may be subdivided into insensate SD, unperceived SD, and perceived SD

Summary

Introduction

Spatial Disorientation (SD) refers to the pilot’s wrong judgment of the position, motion state, altitude, and flight angle of himself or the aircraft during the flight [1]. In the US Air force, from 1993 to 2013, there were 72 analyzed spatial disorientation (SD) mishaps, resulting in a total loss of 101 lives and 65 aircrafts for a full monetary cost of 2.32 billion [4]. Three types of SD in flight have been defined: Type I (unrecognized SD), Type II (recognized SD), and Type III (incapacitating SD) [1], [5]. When unrecognized SD happens, the pilot experiences no disparity between natural and. About 80% of SD mishaps were induced by unrecognized SD from the United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) and USAF [1]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion