Aviation Crew-Member Course Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

A common visual illusion that involves misinterpretation of ground lights is known as false horizons. This phenomenon occurs when a pilot perceives a line of lights, such as those on the ground or at an airport, as a horizon, which can lead to incorrect judgments about the aircraft's orientation.

False horizons can occur in various situations, particularly in limited visibility conditions, where the actual horizon is obscured. Pilots may unknowingly align their aircraft with these lights, causing issues during the landing or approach phases. Understanding false horizons is crucial for pilots as it reinforces the importance of relying on instruments rather than visual cues alone, especially during night flying or in poor weather conditions.

The other options represent different visual cues and phenomena but do not specifically relate to ground lights in the same way. For example, autokinesis is a different effect that happens when a stationary light appears to move when focused on for an extended period. Reversible perspective refers to an optical illusion related to the perception of shapes and distances, and flicker vertigo is associated with rapid changes of light intensity rather than misinterpreting lights on the ground. Thus, recognizing false horizons and their potential impact is vital for ensuring safe flight operations.