> [!tip] Consider [[GARRF]] as a memory aid. ## Runway Illusions > [!tip] Anticipation of this illusions, and using a [[VGSI]] and your altimeter, can help combat them. - **Upslope/Downslope Runway**: Upsloping runway or terrain may make the aircraft seem higher than it is, resulting in a lower approach. A downslope has the opposite effect. - **Wide/Narrow Runway**: Narrower runway may make the aircraft seem higher than it is, resulting in a lower approach. A wide runway has the opposite effect.^[[[Rod Machado]] has a video that can help avoid a high roundout on a wide runway: ["The Runway Expansion Effect"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JfoZERqM7Q)] ## Environmental Illusions - **Featureless Terrain / [[Black-Hole Approach]]**: Night, water, snow, or similar terrain can give the illusion of flying higher than the aircraft is. - **[[Tabletop Runway]]**: Similar to the [[Black-Hole Approach]], the lack of ground below results in the illusion of flying higher than the aircraft is. - **Atmospheric**: Rain can give the illusion of greater height, and haze the illusion of greater distance. Penetration of fog can look like pitching up. - **Ground Lights**: Road or train lights may be mistaken for [[Airport Lighting|airport lights]]. Bright [[ALS]] may appear closer, making the inattentive pilot fly higher. ***Definition*** :: ***Source*** :: [[AIM 8]] ***Related To***: [[Illusions Leading to Spatial Disorientation]], [[Vision in Flight]] ***Additional Resources***: - [# Quiz: Do You Know These 6 Landing Illusions?](https://www.boldmethod.com/blog/quizzes/2024/05/do-you-know-these-6-landing-illusions/) from [[Bold Method]] - [[Spatial Disorientation Visual Illusions]] #glossary #aeromedical