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Old 18th October 2004 | 23:28
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MightyGem
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From: Warrington, UK
Taken to extremes, this slight unease can result in something called Break-off Phenomenon, where the pilot gets the sensation of being removed from the aircraft, often reporting of being outside the cockpit looking in. It is a dissociative psychological reaction classically reported by high altitude, single-pilot, jet fighter pilots, on long transits with little to do but monitor the instuments.

However, helicopter pilots have reported episodes of break-off phenomenon. Typically, it has occurred in level flight at greater than 2,000 feet above ground level on hazy days or on long cross-country missions over featureless terrain. Interestingly, it has been reported by pilots flying side- by-side with other pilots. Radio communications usually alleviate the dissociative symptoms.
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