What illusion occurs when a pilot believes they are at a higher altitude than they actually are?

The situation where a pilot believes they are at a higher altitude than they actually are is known as the narrow runway illusion. This occurs primarily when a pilot approaches a runway that appears narrower than it actually is, which can create a misleading visual perception of altitude. The incorrect perception can lead to a pilot being deceived into thinking they are at a safer height than they truly are, which can affect their approach and landing strategies. This illusion tends to arise in cases of visual flight conditions where environmental factors, such as surrounding topography or the dimensions of the runway itself, can distort a pilot’s depth perception.

Understanding the intricacies of different types of illusions is crucial for pilots to mitigate these risks effectively during flight operations. Recognizing how visual cues and environmental factors can alter perception plays an important role in maintaining safety in aviation practices.