BY ORDER OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 11-417
9 APRIL 2015
Operations
ORIENTATION IN AVIATION
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY
Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing website at
www.e-Publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.
There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.
OPR: AETC/A3FM
Certified by: HQ USAF/A3O
(Brig Gen Giovanni K. Tuck)
Pages: 85
This pamphlet implements AFPD 11-4, Aviation Service, and AFI 11-403, Aerospace
Physiological Training Program. It provides all aircrew with a source of reference for
information and techniques in spatial disorientation (SD) prevention and recognition and covers
basic physiology of orientation threats in-flight. It describes the body’s orientation systems,
explains how to prevent SD, the factors that increase and decrease SD risk, and countermeasures
to avoid SD. This pamphlet applies to all aircrew. Refer recommended changes and questions
about this publication to the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) using the AF Form 847,
Recommendation for Change of Publication; route AF Form 847s from the field through the
appropriate functional chain of command. Ensure that all records created as a result of processes
prescribed in this publication are maintained in accordance with AFMAN 33-363, Management
of Records, and disposed of in accordance with Air Force Records Information Management
System (AFRIMS) Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) located at
https://www.my.af.mil/afrims/afrims/afrims/rims.cfm.
Chapter 1—SD INCIDENCE AND RISKS TO AIRCREW 6
1.1. Introduction. ........................................................................................................... 6
1.2. SD Mishap Statistics. ............................................................................................. 6
