Master the Skies in 2025: Ace Your ATPL - SARON & SAMRA Practice Test!

The Coriolis illusion occurs when a pilot experiences a sensation of movement opposite to the direction of a turn. This phenomenon arises due to the interaction between the pilot's movements and the aircraft's motion. When a pilot is in a turn and suddenly looks away or becomes disoriented, their inner ear (which helps with balance) can falsely interpret the body's motion, causing them to feel as if they are moving in the opposite direction of the turn.

This effect is primarily linked to the vestibular system in the inner ear, which is sensitive to angular rotations. In executing a turn, if the aircraft's motion is not closely monitored or if there is a sudden change in head position, the pilot might misinterpret the stimuli leading to the Coriolis illusion. Understanding this illusion is crucial for pilots to maintain spatial awareness and prevent misjudgment of aircraft orientation, particularly during maneuvers where they might experience disorientation.