Which procedure is recommended to prevent or overcome spatial disorientation?

Relying on the indications of the flight instruments is the recommended procedure to prevent or overcome spatial disorientation. Spatial disorientation can occur when a pilot's perception of their position and motion is affected, often by visual cues that might be misleading, especially in conditions of low visibility or when flying at night.

Flight instruments provide objective and reliable data about the aircraft's orientation, altitude, speed, and direction, which are essential for maintaining situational awareness. Using these instruments enables a pilot to make informed decisions based on accurate information rather than potentially flawed sensory input. For instance, a pilot might feel that they are turning while in fact maintaining straight and level flight; however, the instruments will confirm the true condition of the aircraft.

In contrast, reducing head and eye movements can help in some circumstances but does not address the root cause of spatial disorientation. Relying on kinesthetic sense alone is especially problematic, as this sense can be unreliable in flight. Closing one's eyes and focusing on breathing may help in some stressful scenarios, but it does not offer the crucial behavioral adjustments needed to assess and maintain proper orientation of the aircraft in three-dimensional space. Therefore, the primary recommendation for overcoming spatial disorientation focuses on trusting and utilizing the flight instruments effectively.