FAA Ground School Practice Test

How can pilots improve their visibility of other aircraft at night?

1. By turning off position lights

2. By using a combination of off-center and peripheral vision scanning

3. By maintaining a fixed gaze on the runway

4. By flying at a lower altitude

The correct answer is: By using a combination of off-center and peripheral vision scanning

Using a combination of off-center and peripheral vision scanning is crucial for pilots, especially at night, to enhance their ability to detect other aircraft. At night, visibility is reduced, and objects can easily blend into the dark background. By utilizing off-center vision, pilots can take advantage of the higher sensitivity of their peripheral vision, which is more adept at picking up movement and detecting objects outside of their direct line of sight. This technique allows pilots to scan a broader area without having to turn their heads or lose focus on their primary flying tasks, thereby improving situational awareness. Moreover, maintaining constant visual attention in different areas of the sky increases the chances of seeing other aircraft early enough to take necessary actions, such as avoiding a potential collision. This skill is particularly important in the dark, where visual cues are sparse, and awareness of one's environment is essential for safety. Developing this scanning technique is a practical measure pilots can incorporate into their night flight operations to enhance safety and reduce the risk of mid-air collisions. The other options do not enhance visibility. Turning off position lights can decrease visibility and make an aircraft harder to spot. Maintaining a fixed gaze on the runway can limit peripheral scanning, thereby reducing awareness of surrounding traffic. Flying at a lower altitude does not guarantee