← All explained questions · Supplemental · XI — Night Operations
At night, AUTOKINESIS (the illusion that a single steady light appears to move) can cause
Choices
improved depth perception.
Autokinesis isn't a depth-perception aid.
✓ the pilot to make uncommanded heading changes trying to follow what appears to be a moving aircraft light.correct
when it's actually a stationary light. Avoid by scanning, never staring at a single light. Autokinesis: stare at a single steady point of light against a dark background for ~6+ seconds and the brain perceives it moving (visual cortex adaptation/saccadic micro-movements). Pilots have made errant turns chasing what they thought was traffic. Antidote: keep the eyes scanning, never lock on one light, use peripheral vision.
better night vision.
It degrades vision/judgment.
no operational effect.
Has caused errant maneuvers.
Why
when it's actually a stationary light. Avoid by scanning, never staring at a single light. Autokinesis: stare at a single steady point of light against a dark background for ~6+ seconds and the brain perceives it moving (visual cortex adaptation/saccadic micro-movements). Pilots have made errant turns chasing what they thought was traffic. Antidote: keep the eyes scanning, never lock on one light, use peripheral vision.
FAA source: PHAK Ch 17, AIM 8-1-5; PHAK Chapter 17 — Aeromedical Factorsbrowse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.