Without visual aid, a pilot often interprets centrifugal force as a sensation of?

Centrifugal force, experienced during turns and maneuvers, can create a sensation in a pilot that is difficult to interpret without visual references. When a pilot is subjected to centrifugal force, they may perceive the sensation as a feeling of rising or falling due to the change in vertical component of their perceived weight. This feeling is primarily related to the forces acting on the body during a banked turn; as the aircraft turns, the pilot experiences a sideways force that can make them feel lighter or heavier, depending on the direction and angle of the turn.

In the context of this scenario, without visual aids, the body’s response to these forces can often be misinterpreted as a change in altitude, leading to the sensation of rising or falling. This is particularly relevant in conditions where visual cues from the horizon or instruments are unavailable, such as in overcast weather or during instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions. Therefore, understanding how centrifugal force affects bodily sensations is crucial for pilots in making accurate assessments of their flight situation.