What illusion can be created by an airport runway that is narrower than usual?

A runway that is narrower than normal can create the illusion that the aircraft is higher than it actually is. When pilots approach a runway that appears narrower, their visual perception can be distorted. This is because the reduced width can make the runway seem farther away, leading the pilot to misunderstand their altitude and perceive that they are at a higher elevation than they truly are.

This visual illusion may result in improper altitude adjustments during landing, as pilots might think they need to decrease their altitude more than they actually do. Misjudging altitude can lead to difficulties in achieving a proper landing approach, potentially causing unsafe landing scenarios.

Understanding how visual illusions impact perception is crucial for pilots to maintain situational awareness. By recognizing that a narrower runway could lead to the incorrect assumption of height, pilots can compensate for this illusion with more precise altitude control and proper approach techniques.