PA.XI.A.K8
KnowledgeVisual illusions at night.
From the FAA library
- 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 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…
- 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…
- 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 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 17: Aeromedical Factors › Flicker Vertigo › Night Landing Illusions
Night Landing Illusions Landing illusions occur in many forms. Above featureless terrain at night, there is a natural tendency to fly a lowerthan-normal approach. Elements that cause any type of visual obscurities, such as rain, haze, or a dark ... Bright runway or approach lighting systems can create the illusion that the aircraft is closer to the runway, especially where few lights illuminate the surrounding terrain. Prior to flying at night, it is best to learn and know the challenges…