100% Happened to me tonight. Complete spatial disorientation. It was a MISERABLE experience. I had to overcome my mind and body and trust my instruments. I diverted to a small airfield that I don’t know to avoid some storms. When the storms cleared it was pitch black when I finally departed that unknown airfield to head towards home. No moon, no horizon, pitch black, black hole effect. I looked down to get the frequency for center, so I could get flight following. Almost instantly I was completely disoriented. It was the most uncomfortable I have EVER been while flying. I overcame, and trusted my instruments, but it was the HARDEST thing I have ever done in flight.
Happened to me during initail climb at night, overcast, towards the ocean. Was doing circuits. Knew it could happen but still took me by surprise. I did the right turn to crosswind trusting the instruments but I was completely lost in my brain, and eventually (maybe 5 seconds later) catching up with the lights on the shore made my brain and my eyes suddenly be in sync again. Very weird feeling. Thx for the great content.
I obtained my license back in 2003, before the iPad and EFBs were a thing. I didn't have my first biannual review until late 2020 because life intervened. Shortly after, I purchased my plane. One of the first things I did after was buy an iPad and a Stratux ADS-B receiver. The situational awareness that they provide is something I could only have dreamed of back when I got my license. Now, I have to be aware of just how much time I spend looking at that tablet vs. looking out the windows. It's so easy to fall into the trap of focusing more in that display than what's outside, or what your panel instruments are telling you. I do have mine mounted to my yoke similar to the way you demonstrated. I use a ball mount and holder from RAM. Even there, I still have a considerable amount of head movement when I look down at it.
Recently watched an AOPA early analysis video about the Black Hole departure at Venice, FL by a Piper Lance, and he also talks about the somatogravic illusion where rapid acceleration/deceleration can give the illusion of nose up/down without a good visual reference. So even without dropping or raising your head, you can still have that same disoriented feeling when you intentionally keep your head up. I'd like to see some follow up tips by Jason on how to prepare for these type of departures.
1. I hold the yoke like this 🤌 2. I cant have the ipad on the yoke, I found it blocks the instruments and effects the balance of the controls. For now it stays on my knee. 3. My CFI did a great exercise with me to let me experience spatial D. I closed my eyes and flew the plane according to his instructions. After three gentle "turns" it was upset. Great video.
That’s a perfect grip! Sounds like you had a great CFI. Try the PIVOT universel mount i was using in this video. It’s awesome! You can put the iPad wherever you want - on your knee and then on the yoke for cruise or wherever. It’s not locked down, that’s the key. flyboys.com/?ref=tfp
I would do that but I hate it there for crosswind correction and positioning flight controls for taxi. PIVOT case let’s me move it around easily, you should try it, it’s amazing! flyboys.com/?ref=tfp
my only issue wsith an ipad stuck on the yoke, the plane i fly doesnt have a yoke and is a center-stick so that doesnt work for me, wish it did.. but having the glass cockpit helps.
I’ve tried many several mounts of an iPad. I have an iPad mini and it’s still gets in the way of the instruments if I try to mount it on the yoke. During turbulent conditions it seems to always fall off no matter how good the suction cup is if I attach it to one of the windows. Small planes are no designed for electronic keyboards.
In the "old days" (80's) someone (FAA or NASA maybe) would bring a "Vertigon" to air shows. I "flew" that thing once. The sticker is in my logbook. It's a big circle with WOW I Flew the Vertigon written in it. The people outside told me to flip some switch that was under the seat. I tried to reach it without looking down, gave up, and bent over. My nice climbing turn fell apart very quickly. I don't know how well it was linked. I doubt if was linked at all. I think it was a scripted "show" projected and just about they time they knew my head was swimming the "aircraft" crashed. When I started my instrument training I moved my ipad to the yoke the same way that you do. I use your technique of holding a checklist in front of the instrument too. I used to use a suction cup mount attached to the windscreen in the "Lindbergh reference" but quickly stopped doing that. It's amazing how much I missed it when it was blocked by my iPad.
@@TheFinerPoints A couple of times during my instrument training late last year and early this year (still ongoing. Long story) I made some head movements that I was sure would mess me up but they didn't. I only tried it because I had a CFI-I along for the ride. I'll still avoid all you said. There are other factors involved and I don't control them.
I took off out of Oakland in a caravan, and that was my first time in IMC Solo next I knew I was banked quite aggressively but I was able to engage the autopilot and continue my ifr departure. Was getting used to the EFIS.
Thank you Jason ! I am at the beginning, but already close to check ride . My biggest fear it is power on stall , cos I went to beginning of spin ) how to manage this fear ?
The beauty is that it’s a universal mount so you can have many. You can get suction cup versions that clip onto anywhere you want in the cockpit so you can have one on your knee and figure out for yourself where the other ones go. Check out their stuff here flyboys.com/?ref=tfp
Spacial disorientation is no joke. I experienced it during instrument training during my first flight into hard IFR conditions. I was between two solid layers in a partial layer, and just enjoying what at the time was the novelty of not flying with foggles when I suddenly felt like I was laying on my back falling backwards. I had a strong urge to push the yoke to counter the "climb", but all of the instruments agreed that I was straight and level and on course. I informed my instructor who offered to take the controls, but I declined his offer and concentrated more on my scan. Fortunately the feeling passed in a minute or so, but it was very real and very disturbing.
IFR pilots take notice...please. Let me tell you something about spatial disorientation that I NEVER hear anyone talk about, but it was enough to convince me to never get my instrument rating. Many years ago I was at Universal City in LA taking a tram ride through the park. We stopped inside this round tunnel that was painted white with a black helical stripe painted through the length of the tunnel. The tram was dead still. Then the tunnel began rotating around us. Within seconds my head was slammed hard over onto my left shoulder and with all my strength I could not raise my head to the vertical. I was effectively paralyzed. The tram was right side up and stationary the entire time!! I believe this probably occurs in many such accidents attributed to spatial disorientation....one can become completely physically incapacitated and unable to manipulate the controls. Imho, single pilot IFR is simply too dangerous, especially if one is not aware of this risk. It's not simply a matter of flying the instruments. If one is paralyzed, you're probably going to die.
Savings lives, one video at a time. Thank you Jason, there are many pilots who need to hear and see this.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻
Love all of the safety-centric, REAL WORLD advice/content that you give us! Very much appreciated!
100% Happened to me tonight. Complete spatial disorientation. It was a MISERABLE experience. I had to overcome my mind and body and trust my instruments. I diverted to a small airfield that I don’t know to avoid some storms.
When the storms cleared it was pitch black when I finally departed that unknown airfield to head towards home.
No moon, no horizon, pitch black, black hole effect.
I looked down to get the frequency for center, so I could get flight following.
Almost instantly I was completely disoriented. It was the most uncomfortable I have EVER been while flying.
I overcame, and trusted my instruments, but it was the HARDEST thing I have ever done in flight.
Glad you’re OK.
Happened to me during initail climb at night, overcast, towards the ocean. Was doing circuits. Knew it could happen but still took me by surprise. I did the right turn to crosswind trusting the instruments but I was completely lost in my brain, and eventually (maybe 5 seconds later) catching up with the lights on the shore made my brain and my eyes suddenly be in sync again. Very weird feeling. Thx for the great content.
Hi Jason,
That is great advice thank you.
Take care,
Be safe.
Bought a pivot case and new iPad mini 6 when I started my instrument training last year. I love that setup.
Me too! 10% all their stuff with this link - flyboys.com/?ref=tfp
Thanks for another real, practical video, from an IFR student using iPad. :D
🙌🏻
Thanks Jason. Very well explained and an excellent solution to an age old problem.
That was so good thankyou Jason!!
Thank you Jason, definitely something to think about as a CFII.
I obtained my license back in 2003, before the iPad and EFBs were a thing. I didn't have my first biannual review until late 2020 because life intervened. Shortly after, I purchased my plane. One of the first things I did after was buy an iPad and a Stratux ADS-B receiver. The situational awareness that they provide is something I could only have dreamed of back when I got my license. Now, I have to be aware of just how much time I spend looking at that tablet vs. looking out the windows. It's so easy to fall into the trap of focusing more in that display than what's outside, or what your panel instruments are telling you. I do have mine mounted to my yoke similar to the way you demonstrated. I use a ball mount and holder from RAM. Even there, I still have a considerable amount of head movement when I look down at it.
Oddly enough I just got a pivot case with a mount and a knee strap. They seem great. I hope the new mount can help me in my instrument training.
Thank you Jason!
🙌🏻
Absolutely phenomenal!!.
🙏🏻🙌🏻
Recently watched an AOPA early analysis video about the Black Hole departure at Venice, FL by a Piper Lance, and he also talks about the somatogravic illusion where rapid acceleration/deceleration can give the illusion of nose up/down without a good visual reference. So even without dropping or raising your head, you can still have that same disoriented feeling when you intentionally keep your head up. I'd like to see some follow up tips by Jason on how to prepare for these type of departures.
Love my Pivot mount from Flyboys!
1. I hold the yoke like this 🤌
2. I cant have the ipad on the yoke, I found it blocks the instruments and effects the balance of the controls. For now it stays on my knee.
3. My CFI did a great exercise with me to let me experience spatial D. I closed my eyes and flew the plane according to his instructions. After three gentle "turns" it was upset.
Great video.
That’s a perfect grip! Sounds like you had a great CFI. Try the PIVOT universel mount i was using in this video. It’s awesome! You can put the iPad wherever you want - on your knee and then on the yoke for cruise or wherever. It’s not locked down, that’s the key.
flyboys.com/?ref=tfp
Well done.
Thanks.
great advice as usual. thanks!👍🏿
🙌🏻
Great video! I keep my ipad on the yoke full-time. It's higher up than the factory gauges were in the plane and easy to see without head movement.
I would do that but I hate it there for crosswind correction and positioning flight controls for taxi. PIVOT case let’s me move it around easily, you should try it, it’s amazing!
flyboys.com/?ref=tfp
my only issue wsith an ipad stuck on the yoke, the plane i fly doesnt have a yoke and is a center-stick so that doesnt work for me, wish it did.. but having the glass cockpit helps.
I’ve tried many several mounts of an iPad. I have an iPad mini and it’s still gets in the way of the instruments if I try to mount it on the yoke. During turbulent conditions it seems to always fall off no matter how good the suction cup is if I attach it to one of the windows. Small planes are no designed for electronic keyboards.
Try the PIVOT case - get 10% with this link - flyboys.com/?ref=tfp
In the "old days" (80's) someone (FAA or NASA maybe) would bring a "Vertigon" to air shows. I "flew" that thing once. The sticker is in my logbook. It's a big circle with WOW I Flew the Vertigon written in it. The people outside told me to flip some switch that was under the seat. I tried to reach it without looking down, gave up, and bent over. My nice climbing turn fell apart very quickly. I don't know how well it was linked. I doubt if was linked at all. I think it was a scripted "show" projected and just about they time they knew my head was swimming the "aircraft" crashed.
When I started my instrument training I moved my ipad to the yoke the same way that you do. I use your technique of holding a checklist in front of the instrument too. I used to use a suction cup mount attached to the windscreen in the "Lindbergh reference" but quickly stopped doing that. It's amazing how much I missed it when it was blocked by my iPad.
Yeah - I think that’s the thing (they called it the gyro when I did it)
@@TheFinerPoints A couple of times during my instrument training late last year and early this year (still ongoing. Long story) I made some head movements that I was sure would mess me up but they didn't. I only tried it because I had a CFI-I along for the ride. I'll still avoid all you said. There are other factors involved and I don't control them.
I took off out of Oakland in a caravan, and that was my first time in IMC Solo next I knew I was banked quite aggressively but I was able to engage the autopilot and continue my ifr departure. Was getting used to the EFIS.
Sounds like a close call- good thing you had the autopilot!
@@TheFinerPoints I'm grateful for the autopilot as well. But my hand flying is a little better.
Thank you Jason !
I am at the beginning, but already close to check ride . My biggest fear it is power on stall , cos I went to beginning of spin ) how to manage this fear ?
What if your airplane has a stick instead of a yoke? Where do you put it?
The beauty is that it’s a universal mount so you can have many. You can get suction cup versions that clip onto anywhere you want in the cockpit so you can have one on your knee and figure out for yourself where the other ones go. Check out their stuff here
flyboys.com/?ref=tfp
Great vid
Could help but see those tree tops behind you. Looks like fun!
Thanks but there’s something that keeps bugging me and it’s called Wind Sheer.
Wind shear? How is it bugging you?
Can I get a grant for flight studies?
Spacial disorientation is no joke. I experienced it during instrument training during my first flight into hard IFR conditions.
I was between two solid layers in a partial layer, and just enjoying what at the time was the novelty of not flying with foggles when I suddenly felt like I was laying on my back falling backwards. I had a strong urge to push the yoke to counter the "climb", but all of the instruments agreed that I was straight and level and on course.
I informed my instructor who offered to take the controls, but I declined his offer and concentrated more on my scan. Fortunately the feeling passed in a minute or so, but it was very real and very disturbing.
Might want to consider the death of Dean Martin, at the controls of an F4 in Southern California in the early 1980s.
JFK Jr's flight in 1999?
IFR pilots take notice...please. Let me tell you something about spatial disorientation that I NEVER hear anyone talk about, but it was enough to convince me to never get my instrument rating. Many years ago I was at Universal City in LA taking a tram ride through the park. We stopped inside this round tunnel that was painted white with a black helical stripe painted through the length of the tunnel. The tram was dead still. Then the tunnel began rotating around us. Within seconds my head was slammed hard over onto my left shoulder and with all my strength I could not raise my head to the vertical. I was effectively paralyzed. The tram was right side up and stationary the entire time!! I believe this probably occurs in many such accidents attributed to spatial disorientation....one can become completely physically incapacitated and unable to manipulate the controls. Imho, single pilot IFR is simply too dangerous, especially if one is not aware of this risk. It's not simply a matter of flying the instruments. If one is paralyzed, you're probably going to die.
I appreciate the “don’t cover the Lindberg reference “ statement. See lots of pilots put their iPad there.
Lindberg reference ain't too handy in the soup
@@johnrinaldi8402 You still have to land the plane.
#1. Don't fly a plane
#2 Don't fly a plane
#3 Stay on terra firma
They planned for the Titanic to go down.. -prolly
Haha - maybe - I’ll give you maybe
@@TheFinerPoints 😂 fair, I’ll take a maybe
Excellent video. Thank you!