Answer :
Final answer:
Pilots might experience spatial disorientation and confusion when runway lights are at the edge of the strip rather than the runway's edge, necessitating careful attention to instruments for a safe landing.
Explanation:
When approaching an airport at night, pilots typically rely on runway lighting to identify the runway and properly align their approach. If the lights are at the edge of the strip and not the edge of the runway, the pilot might experience spatial disorientation or confusion, particularly in reduced visibility conditions.
Without the direct visual cues along the runway edges, a pilot's depth perception and ability to judge the remaining distance to the runway may be impaired. This situation requires heightened awareness and careful attention to instrument readings to ensure a safe landing. Runway edge lights are typically white, except on instrument runways where they may change to yellow for the last 2,000 feet or half the runway length, signaling the pilot to prepare for landing.
If the runway lighting is positioned at the edge of the strip instead of the edge of the runway during a night approach, pilots may experience a visual illusion known as the "black hole effect." This occurs when the absence of lights along the runway creates a perception that the runway is shorter than it actually is.
Pilots might underestimate their altitude and distance to the runway threshold, potentially leading to a higher-than-normal approach or even a late touchdown. This illusion emphasizes the importance of relying on instruments, cross-checking altitude, and adhering to proper approach procedures, especially in challenging visual conditions.
