FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the most effective way to use the eyes during night flight?

1. Scan slowly to permit off-center viewing

2. Move your head rapidly to cover more area

3. Only look straight ahead

4. Keep your eyes closed to avoid glare

The correct answer is: Scan slowly to permit off-center viewing

Scanning slowly to permit off-center viewing is the most effective approach during night flight because it allows pilots to utilize their peripheral vision more effectively. The human eye is most sensitive to light in the peripheral areas, and by moving the eyes slowly, the pilot can capture more detail in the dark environment. This technique helps to avoid missing critical visual cues, such as traffic, terrain, or runway lights, that might not be visible if the gaze is fixed straight ahead or moved too quickly. In contrast, rapidly moving the head can lead to a disorienting effect, making it harder to catch and process important visual information. Looking straight ahead offers limited awareness of the environment, and the practice of keeping the eyes closed to avoid glare is counterproductive, as it prevents the pilot from seeing any important visual cues needed for safe navigation. Therefore, slow scanning combines the advantages of night vision with increased situational awareness, making it the optimal choice for night flight operations.