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4 Answers

Spatial disorientation in steep turns?

Asked by: 3296 views Student Pilot

This is more of a medical question, but I figure one of you might have experience regarding the situation. Sometimes when doing a steep turn to the left (it never happens to the right) I get very dizzy, usually only for a couple seconds, but it's enough to totally disorient me. Using instruments for a few seconds gets it back under control, but it's a very uncomfortable feeling. What I'm asking really, is if this is what is referred to by "spacial disorientation", or if this is a bigger issue. I've never heard someone use "dizzy" to describe it, so I'm not sure if that's what I'm experiencing or not. Generally speaking, I don't get disoriented, ever, so maybe I'm just not used to the feeling? I've done a lot of zero visibility scuba, and I never had this type of reaction, even when I've had to feel my bubbles to tell which way is up, but then again, there are no g's involved in that situation. I don't understand why it only happens when I turn left.

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4 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Sep 29, 2015

    I recommend you ask your question to Dr. Bruce Chien. He is a senior AME and knows what is needed to obtain and keep an FAA medical certificate, He specializes in tough medical cases. Usually, he does not charge for an initial question or two. He can be reached via email at aeromedicaldoc@comcast.net or by phone at 309 689-2542. I would suggest you pose your question to him. He is not the FAA and you can talk freely to him.

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  2. David Vancina on Oct 03, 2015

    The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, chapter 16, Aeromedical Factors, describes a number of ways to induce spatial disorientation, for training purposes. Wild guess here… could the different head motions you’re using to look into the left turn vs. right be inducing the condition?

    (And for what it’s worth, I echo the kudos for Dr. Chien. Super guy and AME.)

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  3. Best Answer


    Brian on Oct 06, 2015

    Left turns from the left seat force you to focus closer in. Sit back, relax and force yourself to look a half an inch to an inch more ahead during the turn. Periodically lean forward and look way ahead (traffic scan). See if that helps. If you can’t fix it trying a few different techniques then I agree with John, talk to an AME.

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  4. Greg Taylor on Nov 14, 2015

    I was initially concerned that it was a medical issue, but with more experience, I’m confident it’s “normal”. I can still make it happen if I’m nervous and don’t look at the big picture. David and Brian are on the right track, especially Brian’s comment about looking too much to the left; I wasn’t looking at the horizon when I turned left, but it’s impossible not to do it turning right.

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