← All explained questions · Supplemental · XI — Night Operations
A 'BLACK HOLE' approach is most dangerous because
Choices
the runway lights are too bright.
Bright runway lights aren't the danger.
✓ the absence of visual cues between the airplane and the runway.correct
A black-hole approach is dangerous because the absence of visual cues between the airplane and the runway (over water/dark terrain) creates an illusion of being too high. The pilot descends prematurely and risks terrain impact short of the runway. Black hole approach: at night, when the area between the airplane and runway is unlit (over water, forest, dark countryside), there are no visual cues to gauge altitude. The pilot's brain fills in 'I must be high' and flies a lower-than-normal approach path → CFIT short of the runway. Mitigations: use VASI/PAPI religiously, instrument cross-check, plan steeper approach, brief crew.
the engine cuts out from cold air.
Engine-out isn't the black hole issue.
navigation radios fail in darkness.
Radios work fine at night.
Why
A black-hole approach is dangerous because the absence of visual cues between the airplane and the runway (over water/dark terrain) creates an illusion of being too high. The pilot descends prematurely and risks terrain impact short of the runway. Black hole approach: at night, when the area between the airplane and runway is unlit (over water, forest, dark countryside), there are no visual cues to gauge altitude. The pilot's brain fills in 'I must be high' and flies a lower-than-normal approach path → CFIT short of the runway. Mitigations: use VASI/PAPI religiously, instrument cross-check, plan steeper approach, brief crew.
FAA source: AIM 8-1-5, AC 61-134browse the reference library →
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Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question. Reviewed by a panel of three CFIs + AI review.