Visual Illusions

Question 1

What effect can a narrower-than-usual runway have on a pilot’s sight picture on final approach ?

Answer 1

It gives you the illusion of being high on final, causing you to fly a shallower approach. This can be hazardous
as your obstruction clearances are reduced.

Question 2

Flying into fog can cause what illusion ?

Answer 2

Pitching up.

Question 3

A runway that slops up can cause what illusion ?

Answer 3

Creates the illusion that you are high on final.

Question 4

IF and approach end of a runway is overwater (i.e. without visual cues) what illusion occurs ?

Answer 4

“Black Hole” approach can make you think you are flying higher on final than you actually are, causing you to fly an abnormally low approach.

Question 5

What is the water refraction illusion ?

Answer 5

An illusion created when water on the windscreen created a false perception of the location of the horizon causing the pilot to fly high on final.

Question 6

What Illusion does Haze create ?

Answer 6

being a further distance from the runway and higher than usual.