Night Operations Flashcards
What are the functions of the cones, and where are they located?
Used to detect color, detail, and far away objects. They are located in the center of the retina. Most useful during the day
What are the two light sensitive cells located in the retina of the eye?
Rods and Cones
What are the functions of the rods and where are they located?
Located in the back of the eye or retina. They function when something is seen out of the corner of the eye or peripheral vision. They detect objects, but don’t give detail or color. Useful for night flying
How long does it take for the rods and cones to adapt to darkness?
Cones - 10 to 15 mins
Rods - 30 mins
What are some night illusions?
1) On clear nights, distant stationary lights can appear as stars or other aircraft
2) Black Hole - When a landing is made over water or non lighted terrain where the runway lights are the only source of light.
3) Bright Runway lights - Featureless Terrain Illusion - Where there is an absence of ground features, as when landing over water, and darkened areas, can create the illusion that the aircraft is at a higher altitude than it actually is
When are position lights required to be on?
Sunset to Sunrise
What are runway end identifier lights (REIL)?
They provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a runway
Describe a Runway Edge Light System?
White lights that outline the runway. However, on instrument runways, the last 2000 feet of runway remaining is outlined in yellow
What is a Runway Centerline Lighting System?
Installed on some precision approach runway to facilitate landing under adverse visibility conditions. They are located on the centerline, and spaced 50 feet apart. They are white, until the last 3,000 feet which they alternate red and white for 2,000 feet. During the last 1,000 feet, the lights are red.
What are Touchdown Zone Lights? (TDZL)
Two rows of transverse light bars. White lights start 100 feet beyond the landing threshold and extend to 3000 feet or to the midpoint of the runway, whichever is less
What are the different types of taxiway lighting?
Taxiway Edge Lights - Blue lights that mark the edge of a taxiway
Taxiway Center Lights - Green lights that mark the centerline
Clearance Bar Lights - Yellow lights that mark holding positions on taxiways
Runway Guard Lights - Installed at taxiway/runway intersections. Flashing lights on the side of the taxiway or in the taxiway to mark the hold short line
Stop Bar Lights - Used to confirm ATC clearance to enter/cross a runway. Red Lights
