Lesson 8: Flying at night - part 2 

Welcome back, future pilot! Today, we’ll be continuing our last lesson on flying at night! And then close this chapter.

Let’s continue the conversation about vision at night. Our eyes can play tricks on us! Here are 6 clever tricks our eyes can play, and how we can prevent them from happening.

1. Black Hole Approach: This is a nighttime landing illusion that happens when pilots can only see the runway and nothing else around. It makes the runway seem like a slope! Avoid it by moving around to get a better look at where you are.

2. Autokinesis: Causes phantom motion – when you see movement that’s not there! Prevent this by focusing on objects at different distances. Visual scanning techniques can help.

3. Reversible Perspective Illusion: This illusion happens when you can’t tell if an object is coming towards you or moving away from you. To know which direction an aircraft is moving, look at its lights.

4. Fascination (Fixation): This occurs when you focus on a single goal or object and accidentally ignore the things happening around you! Remember to pay attention!

5. Flicker Vertigo: Intense flickering lights can cause nausea, vertigo, or even unconsciousness. Night scanning techniques can help prevent this.

6. Size-Distance Illusion: Dimly lit objects usually look like they’re farther away, while brightly lit ones seem closer. Keep an eye out for this illusion!

The 6 Visual Illusions Recap

• Black Hole Approach

• Autokinesis

• Reversible Perspective

• Fascination (Fixation)

• Flicker Vertigo

• Size-Distance Illusion

Scanning Techniques: How to scan for dangers in the sky

1. Off-Center Viewing: At night, it’s best to not look directly at an object. Using our peripheral vision helps us see better.

2. Sky Scanning: Break the sky up into 30-degree chunks. Look and pause every 30 degrees for about 2-3 seconds, looking left to right and right to left.

Night Vision: Tips & Tricks

• Avoid looking at bright lights before your night operation.

• Make sure your Control Station and surroundings are dim.

• Fly around brightly-lit areas.

• Use a red light as your flashlight.

• Wear neutral density sunglasses during the day.

Avoiding Eye Strain

• Don’t smoke.

• Avoid hypoglycemia.

• Ensure sufficient Vitamin A intake.

Preparing for a Night Mission

• Visit the place you plan to fly during the daytime.

• Plan for a shorter flight.

• Make an emergency plan.

• Install and test anti-collision lights before flying.

• Ensure Visual Observers (VOs) are present.

Recap

• Visit

• Shorten

• Plan

• Lights

• Visual Observers

Great work, everyone!

See You Next Time! Over and Out