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When is Somatogravis Illusion most dangerous?
What is it?

User Chernevik
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Somatogravic Illusion is most dangerous during takeoff in conditions of poor visibility or at night, leading pilots to perceive an incorrect attitude of their aircraft. Pilots must rely on instruments to avoid incorrect responses to this illusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Somatogravic Illusion is a perceptual illusion experienced by pilots where a rapid linear acceleration, such as during an aircraft's takeoff, is misperceived as being in a nose-up attitude. This illusion is particularly dangerous during conditions of poor visibility or when flying at night, as pilots might incorrectly believe that their aircraft is ascending at a steeper angle and could respond by inappropriately pushing the aircraft's nose down, which could lead to a crash.

Therefore, awareness of this illusion is critical for pilot training, and proper reliance on the aircraft's instruments rather than the bodily senses is essential during takeoff and other flight maneuvers that could result in such illusions.

User Bonnie
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