Trust Your Instruments

One common definition of spatial disorientation is “the inability of a pilot or other air crew member to determine spatial attitude in relation to the surface of the earth; it occurs in conditions of restricted vision, and results from vestibular illusions.” The Federal Aviation Administration uses a slightly different and more simplistic definition. It states, “When a pilot does not know in-flight where his or her body is in relation to the surface of the Earth, the pilot has spatial disorientation.”

There are several types of spatial disorientation. The basic three types are recognized, unrecognized, and incapacitating. Without going into too much detail, one you know you have and are trying to fix it, one you don’t know you have, and the last is one that you know you have but feel completely helpless or don’t even know where to start fixing it.

Regardless of which definition is used or which type of spatial disorientation a pilot has, they all have two major attributes:

1. Inability to distinguish what is true versus what is false (i.e. confusion).
2. The relationship to a common reference point (i.e. the Earth) is in question.

I have personally experienced spatial disorientation numerous times. It is not fun. Take a little bad weather and mix in a glance down at a checklist or an instrument approach procedure and you have the recipe for an interesting day. If there is a latent sinus issue, cold, or seasonal allergy, you could really be in for a serious case of vertigo as well. Thankfully for passengers and those on the ground as well, pilots are trained for these situations and instruction usually kicks in. When it does, disaster is averted. When it doesn’t...lives are usually lost.

In combating spatial disorientation, a “seat of the pants” feeling combined with flight control inputs can sometimes alleviate or assuage the symptoms. This is only marginally effective. Some folks try to shake their head rapidly to “reset the gyros” in their skull! This, however, can often make matters worse. Bottom line, there are a lot of techniques out there. Some may help. Others may hurt. The most effective way to combat spatial disorientation, however, is accomplished by simply “trusting your instruments.”

While going through pilot training at any level, but especially instrument and bad weather flying, the instructors constantly emphasize (practically brainwash) you with the phrase “trust your instruments.” Although instruments and gauges fail, it is rare for several of them to fail at the same time. Therefore, developing a good crosscheck of all available sensors and gadgets alleviates most cases of spatial disorientation fairly quickly. This includes, but is not limited to looking at and comparing the all control and performance instruments and ensuring that they are all in concert. Only then can the pilot begin to redevelop “truth” in his mind and save himself and his aircraft.

To some, I am sure that the plethora of spiritual parallels evident here are fairly obvious. Take a glance around and you can see all three types of spatial disorientation. Some folks are confused and know it and are trying to make their way back home. Others don’t realize that they are confused. Finally, some folks know that they are being drug away from truth but cannot find a way to escape and return to truth. Regardless of the type of disorientation, the two major attributes remain.

We live in a world where it is becoming increasingly more difficult to distinguish what is true versus what is false. Disorientation abounds. Matthew 24:24 states, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” The church is not immune to the deceptive forces in the world. In fact, the church is the prime target. If the enemy is able to shake the faith and the foundation of the church, to whom will the wanderers of this world look to for an example of the righteousness, hope, and blessings of an Almighty God?

That takes us to the second attribute. The church’s common reference point is the Word of God! There are no substitutes. Isaiah 40:8 states that, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever.” The traditions of man are always temporary, but the Word of God is eternal. The faith that is developed over time by getting rooted and grounded on the principles of God’s Word is essential to overcoming disorientation. This faith is quite simply built over time in prayer, regular church attendance, and reading the Bible. Eventually, it will create in the heart of a Christian, a “common reference point” that is dependable and immovable.

If you know someone that seems to be a little disoriented in life, share with them this thought…Proverbs 3:5-6…”Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

We serve a God that is ready, willing, and able to come to our rescue in times of disorientation. He can clear up our confusion and help us find the straight and narrow way. All we really need to do is “trust our instruments.”

Rev Lance Wilkins grew up in Royalwood Church under Pastor Macey. He is currently a member of First Pentecostal Church of Panama City pastored by Rev Allen Crabtree. Lt Col Wilkins is a Squadron Commander and USAF combat veteran with over 300 combat hours. He has flown over 20 different types of aircraft including almost 2000 hours in the F-15 Eagle. His wife Cinnamon and children Rhett and Hannah are involved in several areas of ministry.