Which statement describes a common Leans correction?

• A. Pilots will lean opposite of the correction
• B. If straight and level, the perception is the vertical plane
• C. Pilots will lean opposite of the correction or, if straight and level, the perceived vertical plane
• D. It is corrected by visual cues alone

Answer: (C)

Leans is a vestibular illusion where a slight bank isn’t felt, and when you return to straight and level flight, your inner ear can still signal rotation in the opposite direction. Because of this misperception, pilots tend to respond by tilting away from the corrective action they think is needed. In other words, the common correction often results in leaning opposite to the intended fix. If you are truly level, the brain may still perceive the vertical as tilted to one side, so you’ll lean toward that perceived vertical plane. This combination describes why the statement about leaning opposite the correction (or toward the perceived vertical when level) captures the typical behavior during a Leans correction.