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  • Chapter 11: Night Operations › Night Illusions › False Horizon

    flickering lights. ⦁ Sunglasses can aid the dark adaptation process, which is delayed by prolonged exposure to bright sunlight. Night Illusions Visual illusions are especially hazardous because pilots rely on their eyes for correct information. Darkness or low visibility increases pilot ... susceptibility to error. Two illusions that lead to spatial disorientation, false horizon and autokinesis, concern the visual system only. False Horizon Flying at night under clear skies with ground lights below can result in situations where it is difficult…

  • Chapter 17: Aeromedical Factors › Vision in Flight › Autokinesis

    performed automatically. Figure 17-21. Geometric perspective. Night Vision Illusions There are many different types of visual illusions that commonly occur at night. Anticipating and maintaining awareness of them is usually the best way to avoid them. Autokinesis Autokinesis ... seconds. To prevent this illusion, focus the eyes on objects at varying distances and avoid fixating on one source of light. This illusion can be eliminated or reduced by visual scanning, by increasing the number of lights, or by varying…

  • Chapter 7. Safety of Flight › Section 6. Potential Flight Hazards › 7-6-14. Flying in Flat Light, Brown Out Conditions, and White Out Conditions

    This is particularly dangerous because the pilot needs those visual cues from their surroundings in order to make a safe landing. 4. Blowing sand and dust can cause an illusion of a tilted horizon. A pilot not using the flight ... incorrect control inputs which can quickly lead to disaster when hovering near the ground. In night landings, aircraft lighting can enhance the visual illusions by illuminating the brownout cloud…

  • Chapter 11: Night Operations › How to Prevent Landing Errors Due to Optical Illusions › Night Emergencies

    Night flying operations should not be encouraged or attempted, except by pilots that are certificated, current, and proficient in night flying. Prior to attempting night operations, pilots should receive training and be familiar with the risks associated with night flight ... daylight operations. Even for experienced pilots, night VFR operations should only be conducted in unrestricted visibility, favorable winds, both on the surface and aloft, and no turbulence. Additional information on pilot vision and illusions can be found in FAA brochure…

  • Index

    ground objects 7-1 Minimum equipment list and configuration deviation list Multiengine training considerations N Night illusions 11-4 Black-hole approach 11-5 Visual autokinesis Night vision Noise abatement Normal and crosswind takeoff and climb Normal approach and landing…

  • Chapter 11: Night Operations › How to Prevent Landing Errors Due to Optical Illusions

    prevent these illusions and their potentially hazardous consequences, pilots can: 1. Anticipate the possibility of visual illusions during approaches to unfamiliar airports, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions. 2. Consult airport diagrams and the Chart Supplements for information ... terrain, and lighting. 3. Make frequent reference to the altimeter, especially during all approaches, day and night. 4. If possible, conduct aerial visual inspection of unfamiliar airports before landing. 5. Use Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) or Precision Approach Path…