Emergencies & ADM

5 free sample questions of the 25 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   What is 'the leans' (a vestibular illusion)?

   • A.A nose-low attitude error
   • B.A bank illusion: a slowly-entered bank is not detected by the vestibular system, then an abrupt correction creates the false sensation of a bank in the OPPOSITE direction — disoriented pilots may roll back into the original bank or 'lean' in the perceived vertical
   • C.Falling asleep at the controls
   • D.Loss of the heading indicator
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. A bank illusion: a slowly-entered bank is not detected by the vestibular system, then an abrupt correction creates the false sensation of a bank in the OPPOSITE direction — disoriented pilots may roll back into the original bank or 'lean' in the perceived vertical

   Per IFH Ch 3 (Vestibular Illusions / The Leans): if a bank is entered too slowly to register in the semicircular canals, an abrupt correction sets the fluid in motion and creates the illusion of an OPPOSITE bank. The disoriented pilot may roll back to the original bank or feel compelled to lean — until the illusion subsides.

   Source: FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) — Ch 3, Vestibular Illusions — The Leans (p. 3-5)

2. Question 2

   The CORIOLIS illusion occurs when:

   • A.Rapid acceleration in straight flight
   • B.After being in a turn long enough for the inner-ear fluid to match the turn rate, a HEAD movement in a different plane (e.g., looking at a chart on the floor) creates the illusion of turning or accelerating on an entirely different axis
   • C.A nose-up departure
   • D.A descent over water
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. After being in a turn long enough for the inner-ear fluid to match the turn rate, a HEAD movement in a different plane (e.g., looking at a chart on the floor) creates the illusion of turning or accelerating on an entirely different axis

   Per IFH Ch 3: the Coriolis illusion occurs when the pilot has been in a turn long enough for the canal fluid to move at the turn rate. A head movement in a different plane sets the fluid moving and creates the illusion of a maneuver on an entirely different axis. Pilots are taught to minimize head movement and recover dropped items with care to avoid this.

   Source: FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) — Ch 3, Coriolis Illusion (p. 3-6)

3. Question 3

   The 'graveyard spiral' results from:

   • A.An engine failure
   • B.A prolonged coordinated constant-rate turn lulling the vestibular system into 'no turn' — then on recovery the pilot perceives a turn in the opposite direction and may re-enter the original turn; combined with altitude loss, pulling back tightens the spiral
   • C.Stalled airplane
   • D.Loss of all instruments
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. A prolonged coordinated constant-rate turn lulling the vestibular system into 'no turn' — then on recovery the pilot perceives a turn in the opposite direction and may re-enter the original turn; combined with altitude loss, pulling back tightens the spiral

   Per IFH Ch 3 (Graveyard Spiral): in a prolonged coordinated turn, the inner-ear fluid catches up to the canal walls, removing the sensation of turning. On recovery the pilot feels they are turning the other way, may roll back into the original turn, and as the aircraft loses altitude in the turn, pulling back tightens the spiral — potentially leading to loss of control.

   Source: FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) — Ch 3, Graveyard Spiral (p. 3-6)

4. Question 4

   The SOMATOGRAVIC illusion (e.g., during takeoff acceleration) typically creates the false sensation of:

   • A.A descent
   • B.A nose-up / climbing attitude — leading the disoriented pilot to push the aircraft into a nose-low or dive attitude
   • C.A bank
   • D.A spin
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. A nose-up / climbing attitude — leading the disoriented pilot to push the aircraft into a nose-low or dive attitude

   Per IFH Ch 3 (Somatogravic Illusion): rapid acceleration stimulates the otolith organs like a head-back tilt, creating the false sensation of a nose-up attitude. Without good visual references, the disoriented pilot may push the aircraft into a nose-low/dive attitude — sometimes fatally. Common during night takeoffs over water or featureless terrain.

   Source: FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) — Ch 3, Somatogravic Illusion (p. 3-6)

5. Question 5

   The 'false horizon' illusion is caused by:

   • A.A failed attitude indicator
   • B.Sloping cloud formations, obscured horizons, auroras, or geometric patterns of ground lights aligned with stars — providing inaccurate visual cues; the disoriented pilot may place the aircraft in a dangerous attitude believing it is aligned with the actual horizon
   • C.ATC error
   • D.Magnetic deviation
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Sloping cloud formations, obscured horizons, auroras, or geometric patterns of ground lights aligned with stars — providing inaccurate visual cues; the disoriented pilot may place the aircraft in a dangerous attitude believing it is aligned with the actual horizon

   Per IFH Ch 3 (False Horizon): sloping cloud formations, obscured horizons, aurora borealis, dark scenes with ground lights and stars, and certain geometric patterns of ground lights can provide inaccurate visual information for aligning the aircraft with the true horizon — leading the pilot to misaligned, sometimes dangerous attitudes.

   Source: FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) — Ch 3, Visual Illusions — False Horizon (p. 3-7)

20 more Emergencies & ADM questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

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