MOONEY
M20TN - MODEL TYPE-S
SECTION X
SAFETY INFORMATION
10 -- 9
AIRPLANE FLIGHT MANUAL
ORIGINAL ISSUE -- 04-02-2008
VERTIGO - DISORIENTATION
Disorientation can occur in a variety of ways. During flight, inner ear balancing mechanisms are
subjected to varied forces not normally experienced on the ground. This combined with loss of
outside visual reference can cause vertigo. False interpretations (illusions) result and may con-
fuse the pilot’s conception of the attitude and position of his airplane.
Under VFR conditions the visual sense, using the horizon as a reference, can override the illu-
sions. Under low visibility conditions (night, fog, clouds, haze, etc.) the illusions predominate.
Only through awareness of these illusions, and proficiency in instrument flight procedures, can
an airplane be operated safely in a low visibility environment.
Flying in fog, dense haze or dust, cloud banks, or very low visibility, with strobe lights, and partic-
ularly rotating beacons turned on frequently causes vertigo. They should be turned off in these
conditions, particularly at night.
All pilots should check the weather and use good judgment in planning flights. The VFR pilot
should use extra caution in avoiding low visibility conditions.
Motion sickness often precedes or accompanies disorientation and may further jeopardize the
flight.
STALLS, SPINS AND SLOW FLIGHT
Stalls, and slow flight should be practiced at safe altitudes to allow for recovery. Any of these
maneuvers should be performed at an altitude in excess of 6,000 feet above ground level. Spins
may be dangerous and should be avoided. In fact, most airplanes are placarded against inten-
tional spins. Spins are preceded by stalls. A prompt and decisive stall recovery protects against
inadvertent spins. All airplanes are required to have flight characteristics that give adequate ad-
vance warning of an impending stall or they must be equipped with an artificial stall warning de-
vice. Keep the artificial system in good working order. Do not operate the airplane with the device
made inoperative by the use of circuit breakers or other means.
Stalls should be practiced at safe altitudes for ample recovery. Should a spin be encountered
inadvertently, spin recovery should be initiated immediately.
As stall attitude is approached, be alert. Take prompt corrective action to avoid the stall or if you
are practicing stalls, react the moment the stall occurs. The following is suggested:
1.
Do not carry passengers. Be certain that the airplane’s center of gravity is as far forward
as possible. Forward CG aids spin recovery.
2.
Be certain that both student pilot and instructor pilot have a full set of operable controls.
3.
Conduct such practice at altitudes in excess of 6,000 ft. above ground level.
Remember that an airplane at or near traffic pattern altitude probably will not recover from a spin
before impact with the ground. When descending to traffic pattern altitude and during operation
in the traffic pattern and approach, maintain a safe margin above stall speed. During takeoff or
go-around, be especially careful to avoid departure stalls associated with turns at low speed.
Maintain speeds recommended in this handbook (Section II & V).
