CG,
I'm also a pilot, single engine with the instrument rating (which JFK Jr did not have).
I agree with BB, most pilots have had some level of disorientation at some time. In my case it usually occurred in Los Angeles smog. Approaching the coastal airports close to sunset you would be pointed straight into the sun and descending into a hazy smog layer. Really weird effect, where everything is perfectly in sight (including the ground), then for about 30 seconds you just lose all bearings as the smog layer, glare from the sun and your airplane all come together.
It is scary for a simple reason. Instrument and visual flying are VERY different beasts. Visual, your eyes are mostly outside the plane, consulting only the simple instruments for occasional feedback on the airplane's performance. You can modify your course and attitude at any time just because you feel like it.
Instrument, eyes are inside. You're on a set course, as instructed by ATC, using instruments for guidance.
A typical accident involves penetration of instrument conditions on a VFR flight. Interestingly, the pilots who get caught by this one are OFTEN instrument pilots. They tell themselves that they're OK to fly into low visibility because they're instrument rated. Unfortuantely, but they don't take it to the logical conclusion (request an instrument clearance and fly it) and continue to muddle about half visual, half not, never solidly in either mode of operation.
I would dispute one thing BB said. Unusual attitude recovery for VFR pilots is supposed to be done by reference to visual references outside the cockpit (horizon). There are still lots of planes which do not have attitude instrumentation. Those of us who are instrument rated usually do our checkrides and flight reviews mostly under the hood, but straight VFR pilots do not.
mg |
