Aeronautical Terms beginning with O

Omission error

The failure to anticipate significant instrument indications following attitude changes; for example, concentrating on pitch control while forgetting about heading or roll information, resulting in erratic control of heading and bank.

Optical illusion

A misleading visual image. For the purpose of this handbook, the term refers to the brain’s misinterpretation of features on the ground associated with landing, which causes a pilot to misread the spatial relationships between the aircraft and the runway.

Orientation

Awareness of the position of the aircraft and of oneself in relation to a specific reference point.

Otolith organ

An inner ear organ that detects linear acceleration and gravity orientation.