← All explained questions · Night Operations

To best see a dim object at night, a pilot should do what?

Choices

  • Stare directly at it to keep it centered

    The central night blind spot can make a dim object fade when stared at directly.

  • ✓ Look about 5 to 10 degrees off to the side of itcorrect

    Off-center viewing puts the image on the rod-rich outer retina, keeping it visible.

  • Shine a bright white light toward it

    Bright white light destroys dark adaptation and worsens night vision.

  • Close one eye to concentrate

    Closing an eye does not overcome the central blind spot.

Why

Because the center of vision has a night blind spot, off-center viewing (looking slightly to the side) lets the rods detect the object.

FAA source: PHAK Ch. 17 / AIM 8-1-6browse the reference library →

This is taught in How the Eye Sees at Night — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.

To best see a dim object at night, a pilot should do what? · PPL Free Ground School