Spatial disorientation can be defined as a pilot’s inability to accurately assess the aircraft attitude, altitude or airspeed as related to several factors. When not corrected, it can result in the pilot losing control of his aircraft. In this case, JFK Jr., his wife, and his wife's sister boarded his plane, but all died in a plane crash. The plane crash was attributed to JFK Jr.’s judgment, as he was the pilot of the plane (Cheatsheet, 2020). Before boarding the plane, he checked for the weather forecast in the afternoon and made several confirmations that there was clear weather. This was essential as he was flying under visual flight rules and not instrument flight rules. At this time, he had only partially completed his instrument training. However, by the time he started flying, there was a thick fog that obstructed his view. He became disoriented, and the plane crashed.
The Problem
The problem, in this case, was the impact that spatial disorientation had on JFK Jr.'s ability to scan his environment for peak performance visually. By not using instrument flight rules to direct and structure his flying practices, the pilot was completely reliant on his visual capabilities. Hence, the deprivation of his visual references by the bad weather, resulted in the pilot succumbing to spatial disorientation.
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Significance of the Problem
Spatial disorientation is a considerable challenge faced by pilots. The existence of conditions such as clouds, fog, haze, and darkness, adversely affects their perception of their position and motion in relation to the earth (Pervic & Ercoline, 2004). All conditions that affect a pilot’s ability to use their visual references for the maintenance of orientation can quickly be the cause of spatial disorientation. Despite the capability, accuracy, and reliability of modern flight instruments, a majority of pilots still find themselves questioning the facts presented. Statistics indicate that about tenth of all aircraft crashes can be attributed to spatial disorientation.
Development of Alternative Actions.
Alternative Actions 1. Proper training of pilots on instrument flying rules before the issue of flying license
Advantages . There will be a decreased reliance on visual flight rules, which may be considerably affected by a change in weather conditions resulting in spatial disorientation.
Disadvantages. Pilots will have to be engaged in extensive training as instrument flight rules require a higher level of training and practice in comparison to visual flight rules.
Alternative Action 2 . Aviation medicine and human factor training should include an understanding of the vestibular system and the causes of spatial disorientation.
Advantages . Pilots will have a considerable understanding of the factors that cause spatial disorientation. This way, they will be able to identify such factors and conditions and take precautionary measures.
Disadvantages. May cause excessive caution in pilots and reduce their reliance and belief on their visual capabilities. This may affect their flight experiences and abilities.
Recommendation
Proper training on instrument flight rules should be a requirement for any pilot to receive or obtain their flight licenses. Instrument flight rules are a set of regulations that direct ways in which aircraft can be operated in cases where pilots are unable to navigate through the use of visual flight rules. The use of IFR necessitates the submission of a flight plan to the air traffic control (Ebermann, & Scheiderer, 2012). This approach will guarantee that in conditions in which the use of visual capabilities is not possible, pilots can use their judgment and skills to use IFR instead. This will reduce the over-reliance and dependence of pilots on visual flight rules while providing them with a more comprehensive perspective of their flying conditions.
References
Cheatsheet. (2020). JFK Jr.'s 'Poor Judgement' Led to Plane Crash, Historian Says. Retrieved 8 th February 2020 from https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/jfk-jr-poor-judgement-plane-crash.html/
Ebermann, H. J., & Scheiderer, J. (2012). Human factors on the flight deck . Springer.
Previc, F. H., & Ercoline, W. R. (Eds.). (2004). Spatial disorientation in aviation (Vol. 203). Aiaa.
