FAA Urges Expanded Spatial Disorientation Training for All Pilots

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued new guidance recommending that all pilots receive comprehensive training focused on spatial disorientation, citing its role as a persistent and serious safety risk in aviation. The recommendation was outlined in a newly released Information for Operators issued on January 22, 2026.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, spatial disorientation occurs when a pilot’s perception of an aircraft’s position, motion, or attitude does not align with reality. This mismatch often results from limited visual references, conflicting sensory inputs, or physiological factors, particularly during instrument meteorological conditions, night operations, or rapidly changing weather.

The guidance stems from a safety recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board following its investigation into a high-profile helicopter accident near Calabasas, California, in January 2020. In that case, spatial disorientation was identified as a contributing factor. The NTSB directed the FAA to convene a panel to evaluate available simulation technologies and training methods. The resulting Spatial Disorientation Training Workgroup submitted its findings to the FAA in January 2023.

The FAA noted that approximately 80% of aviation accidents involve human factors, prompting a call for training that goes beyond current minimum standards. The agency recommends that spatial disorientation instruction emphasize avoidance, early recognition, and effective recovery techniques.

The InFO advises a combination of scenario-based and maneuver-based training. Scenario-based training exposes pilots to unexpected situations that mirror real-world conditions where disorientation may develop, while maneuver-based training isolates specific events in controlled environments to help pilots understand how disorientation occurs and how to respond.

Both theoretical and practical instruction are encouraged. Ground-based theoretical training focuses on the physiological systems involved in spatial orientation and the mechanisms that lead to disorientation. Practical training includes exposure to disorienting stimuli in aircraft, full-flight simulators, or specialized spatial disorientation trainers, allowing pilots to connect physical sensations with instrument cues.

The FAA also highlights the value of in-flight instruction under controlled conditions, including instrument-only flying using view-limiting devices. Regular refresher training is recommended to reinforce instrument scanning, cross-checking information sources, and maintaining situational awareness.

Special emphasis is placed on environments where spatial disorientation is more likely, such as mountainous terrain, coastal regions, low-altitude operations, uncongested airspace, and areas with limited weather information. Certain environmental conditions, including heavy precipitation, fog, night flying, rapid weather changes, volcanic ash, and pollution-related low visibility, are also identified as higher risk.

Key recovery strategies outlined by the FAA include trusting flight instruments, maintaining straight and level flight, avoiding abrupt movements, regaining visual references when possible, remaining calm, communicating with air traffic control, and using autopilot systems when available.

While the guidance is not mandatory, the FAA said it provides valuable safety insight and strongly encourages operators and pilots to incorporate enhanced spatial disorientation training into their programs.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, generalaviationnews.com