What aspect of illusions might affect a pilot's landing approach at night?

What aspect of illusions might affect a pilot's landing approach at night?

• A. Runway appears lower
• B. Runway appears higher
• C. Runway lights cause confusion
• D. No effect on perception

Answer: (B)

The issue of how a runway appears during a landing approach at night can significantly impact a pilot's decision-making and overall safety. One of the common illusions experienced at night is that the runway appears higher than it actually is. This can lead pilots to misjudge their descent and make adjustments that may not be necessary, potentially resulting in a higher-than-desired approach and increased chances of landing short of the runway or having difficulty in controlling the aircraft during the landing phase. This illusion is particularly relevant when visual references are limited, as they tend to be at night. Pilots relying on visual cues to gauge altitude and approach must be aware of their sensations and perceptions to counteract the misleading visual information received during a night landing. Understanding this aspect of illusion is critical for maintaining situational awareness and executing a safe landing.

The issue of how a runway appears during a landing approach at night can significantly impact a pilot's decision-making and overall safety. One of the common illusions experienced at night is that the runway appears higher than it actually is. This can lead pilots to misjudge their descent and make adjustments that may not be necessary, potentially resulting in a higher-than-desired approach and increased chances of landing short of the runway or having difficulty in controlling the aircraft during the landing phase.

This illusion is particularly relevant when visual references are limited, as they tend to be at night. Pilots relying on visual cues to gauge altitude and approach must be aware of their sensations and perceptions to counteract the misleading visual information received during a night landing. Understanding this aspect of illusion is critical for maintaining situational awareness and executing a safe landing.