Is the somatosensory system considered useful for orientation during flight?

The somatosensory system includes the sensations from the body related to movement, touch, and spatial awareness, such as those from the vestibular system and proprioceptors. While it does provide some information about body position and motion, it is often limited when it comes to maintaining accurate orientation in flight, particularly in the absence of visual cues.

During flight, pilots rely heavily on visual input to maintain situational awareness and orientation since visual cues from the horizon, landmarks, and cockpit instruments are critical for discerning altitude, attitude, and direction. Without these cues, the somatosensory system may not provide the necessary accuracy for pilots to maintain proper control and orientation, which can lead to disorientation in certain conditions.

This highlights why the somatosensory system is often regarded as less reliable for orientation in flight compared to visual feedback. While it can contribute to awareness of the body’s spatial position, its effectiveness diminishes significantly without visual references, making it less useful for maintaining accurate orientation during flying.