Answer :
The answer to the illusion experienced by pilots on runways with an incline or decline is known as the Runway slope illusion. This plays a critical role in landing approaches and is a fascinating study within Transportation Engineering and pilot training protocols. Ensuring that pilots have the correct perception of the slope is vital for safe aircraft operations. Thus option c is correct.
The correct answer to the question regarding the illusion pilots may experience when landing on uphill or downhill runways is C) Runway slope illusion. This illusion pertains to the misperception of the actual slope of a runway when no other distance cues are available.
Pilots may perceive the upslope as being flatter than it is, or a downslope as being more level, which can affect their landing approach. Various psychophysical illusions, such as the moon illusion discussed by psychologist Conrad Kraft, elucidate how our perception can be deceived by environmental factors.
In the context of declining or ascending slopes, the rise over run concept is used to describe the slope of a surface, including runways. When a plane approaches a positively sloped (upslope) runway, the positive angle may cause a landing to be executed further along the runway than necessary; conversely, on a negatively sloped (downslope) runway, a plane might land too early.
Correct perception is critical for safe landings, and the example of improved flight safety measures, such as the copilot's altitude callouts during descent, is an important countermeasure to these illusions.
Understanding runway design, including the impact of prevailing winds, slope, and orientation, is essential in the field of Transportation Engineering. These factors play into how pilots perceive and handle their aircraft during crucial movements like taking off and landing. Thus option c is correct.
