What should a pilot refer to determine their progress when disorientation occurs?

When a pilot experiences disorientation, referring to the last known position is essential for regaining situational awareness. The last known position provides a concrete reference point that allows the pilot to understand where they were last and to assess their flight path relative to their intended route or destination. Establishing this point can help the pilot reorient themselves, especially in conditions where visual references may be compromised, such as in low visibility or during a turbulent flight.

By knowing the last known position, pilots can cross-check with navigation instruments and other data sources to regain their bearings and make informed decisions about the next steps. It serves as a foundational element for situational awareness and aids in avoiding potential hazards that may arise from disorientation.

The other options, while relevant to different aspects of flight management, do not directly assist a pilot in overcoming acute disorientation. For example, the aircraft's current altitude provides information about vertical positioning but does not indicate horizontal situational awareness. Similarly, knowing the nearest airport or remaining fuel might be critical for planning an emergency landing but does not help a pilot immediately reorient in the moment of confusion.