Elevator illusion is characterized by which description?

• A. The misperception of horizon due to attitude indicator
• B. The sensation of being in a climb or descent caused by abrupt vertical accelerations from up- or downdrafts
• C. A glare from cockpit windows
• D. A misread instrument

Answer: (B)

Elevator illusion is a somatogravic vestibular illusion caused by abrupt vertical acceleration. When the aircraft experiences rapid updrafts or downdrafts, the inner-ear otoliths sense a change in linear acceleration and gravity that the brain interprets as the nose pitching up or down. In practice, you may feel as if you’re in a climb or descent even though the airplane’s attitude isn’t changing much. This can lead to inappropriate control inputs if you rely on sensation alone, so cross-check with the attitude indicator and outside references to confirm pitch. It isn’t caused by glare or simply misreading an instrument, which is why this option best describes the elevator illusion.