Why is the somatosensory system ineffective as an orientation system during flight?

The somatosensory system, which includes the body’s ability to perceive touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception (the sense of body position), becomes less effective as an orientation system during flight primarily because of insufficient information from the visual system.

In flight, especially at high altitudes, visual cues that normally assist in orientation can be significantly diminished due to factors such as reduced visibility, the vastness of the sky, and the lack of perspective. This leads the pilot to rely heavily on visual inputs to maintain orientation and awareness of the aircraft's position in three-dimensional space. When visual information is lacking or unclear, the somatosensory system alone does not provide sufficient feedback regarding orientation, making it difficult for pilots to ascertain their position accurately.

Moreover, the other factors listed—continuous vibrations from the aircraft, constant exposure to sound, and changes in cabin pressure—do not directly impair the body's ability to sense orientation as acutely as the lack of visual information. While they can create physiological effects or discomfort, they do not fundamentally disconnect the body’s ability to maintain a sense of orientation in the same way that insufficient visual input does. Therefore, when visual information is compromised, reliance on the somatosensory system can lead to dis