What should a crewmember do if they become spatially disoriented during IMC procedures?

When a crewmember becomes spatially disoriented during Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) procedures, the appropriate response is to verbalize the disorientation and rely on instruments. This is crucial because spatial disorientation can lead to dangerous situations, especially when flying under IMC conditions where visibility is limited.

By verbalizing the situation, the crewmember communicates their condition to fellow crew members, assuming there are any, which can help ensure that everyone is aware and ready to assist if necessary. Relying on instruments is essential because they provide the accurate information needed to control the aircraft and navigate safely, counteracting the misleading cues that might come from visual references which are not available or reliable in IMC.

In many instances, pilots rely on physical sensations or visual cues to maneuver the aircraft, but these can be unreliable in poor visibility, leading to confusion and potential loss of control. Therefore, maintaining focus on the cockpit instruments, which display altitude, heading, and attitude among other data, allows the pilot to regain situational awareness and control of the flight.