PA.XI.A.R3FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Risk management
Effect of visual illusions and night adaptation during all phases of night flying.
Effect of visual illusions and night adaptation during all phases of night flying.
Bottom line
A bright light can completely destroy night adaptation, leaving night vision severely compromised while the adaptation process is repeated. Above featureless terrain at night, there is a natural tendency to fly a lower-than-normal approach. Anticipating and maintaining awareness of night visual illusions is usually the best way to avoid them.
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 17 (p. 17-23) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- PHAK ch. 17 (p. 17-27) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AIM 7-6-14 (Flying in Flat Light, Brown Out Conditions, and White Out Conditions) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- AIM 8-1-6 (Vision in Flight) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- AIM 8-1-2 (Effects of Altitude) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- PHAK ch. 17 (p. 17-26) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- PHAK ch. 17 (p. 17-10) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AFH ch. 5, Human Factors (p. 5-3) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- PHAK ch. 17 (p. 17-24) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-8) — FAA-H-8083-2A
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