Chapter 7 night operations Flashcards
(31 cards)
Two distinct types of light sensitive cells located in retina
Rods and cones
Function of cones, where are they located
Used to detect color, detail and faraway objects and are in the center of the retina at the back of the eye. Less sensitive to light and are more useful in daylight
Function of rods and location
Located in the back of the eye or retina. Rods function when something is seen out of the corner of the eye or peripheral vision. Detect objects, those that are not moving, but no detail or color only shades of gray. Both used for daylight. Night vision places almost entirely on rods
Time it takes for rods and cones to adapt to darkness
Approx 5-10 min to become adjusted for cones. And 3o min for rods
What should pilot do to accommodate changing light conditions
Pilots should allow enough time for eyes to become adapted to low light levels, and avoid exposure to bright light which causes temp blindness
Illusions related to ground lighting conditions
A. Stationary lights can be mistaken for stars or other planes
B. Black hole approaches occur when landing is made from over water or non lighted terrain, where runway lights are the only source of light
C. Judging of distance and confusing runway and approach lights when landing
Takeoff plane feels excessively high nose-up attitude, what’s the illusion
Somatogravic illusion. Rapid acceleration during takeoff can create the illusion.
Well-lit runway surrounded by dark area with no features, what’s the illusion
Featureless terrain illusion - absence of ground features, as when landing over water, creating illusion plane is higher than it is. Causing low approach
Maintain good eyesight
Depends upon physical condition. Fatigue, colds vitamin deficiency, alcohol, smoking or medication
Improve night vision
Adapt eyes to darkness 30 min prior Use oxygen Close one eye when exposed to bright light Do not wear sunglasses Move eyes slowly Blink eyes if become blurred Concentrate on seeing objects Force to view off center Maintain good physical condition Avoid smoking, drinking or drugs
Equipment for night flight operations
Flashlight (red/white light and blue)
Items have on board for night flight
Aeronautical charts. Spare batteries for flashlight
Arrangement and interpretation of position lights on plane
Red light on left wing, green on right wing, and white on tail. If both red and green observed, and red to the left and green to the right is flying same direction. If opposite than its on collision course
Position lights be on
From sunset to sunrise
Aircraft operated in or close proximity to a night operation area, what is required
Clearly illuminated
Have lighted position lights
Area which is marked by obstruction lights
Anticollision lights required to on during night flight operations
Yes, need to be lighted when PIC determines so, interest of safety to turn light off
Runway End Identifier lights (REIL)
Provide rapid and positive ident of approach end of particular runway. Consists of pair of synchronized flashing lights located laterally on each side of runway threshold.
Runway Edge Light System
Used to outline edges of runways during periods of darkness or restricted visibility conditions. Are white expect on instruments runways yellow replaces white. Lights marking the ends of runway emit red light otwward the runway to indicate end of runway to departing plane and emit green outward from the systems are classified according to intensity or brightness capability
Runway centerline lighting system (RCLS)
Installed on some precision approach runways to facilitate landing under adverse visibility conditions. Located along the runway centerline and are spaced at 50 foot intervals. Are white until 3000’ of runway. White begin to alternate with red for next 2000’ and last 1000’, all centerline lights are red
Touchdown Zone lights (TDZL)
Consist of two rows of transverse light bars disposed symmetrically about the centerline. Steady white lights start at 100’ beyond threshold and extend 3000’ beyond landing threshold or midpoint
Taxiway lighting at night
Edge lights - outline edges of taxiway, blue
Centerline - assist ground traffic in low visibility, green
Clearance bar - installed at holding positions on taxiways; consist of three in pavement, yellow
Runway guards - at taxiway/runway intersection; either pair of elevated flashing lights on either side of taxiway or in pavement yellow lights across taxiway
Stop bar - used to confirm ATC clearance to enter or cross active runway in low visibility, row of red, unidirectional, steady pavement lights. Across taxiway and pair of elevated steady red lights on each side
Different types of rotating beacons
White n green - lighted land airport Green - lighted land airport White and yellow - lighted water airport Green, yellow, n white - lighted heliport White (dual peaked and green) - military
Several types of obstruction lighting
Avaition red - flashing red beacons and steady burning aviation lights during nighttime
Medium and high intensity white light - may be used during daytime and twilight with reduced intensity for nighttime operation, not installed on structure less than 200’
Dual lighting - combination of flashing aviation red beacons and steady aviation red lights for nighttime operation and flashing high white lights for daytime
Catenary lighting - medium and high intensity flashing white markers for high voltage transmission lines and support structures
Determine status of light system at airport
Check chart supp and NOTAMS
