Private Pilot Private Exam

When searching for other traffic at night, what is the best method?

1. Look directly at the object

2. Look to the side and scan slowly

3. Use night vision goggles

4. Increase speed to reduce exposure time

The correct answer is: Look to the side and scan slowly

Looking to the side and scanning slowly is the most effective method for searching for other traffic at night due to the way human vision works in low-light conditions. When looking directly at a bright object, such as another aircraft's lights, it can cause temporary vision impairment and actually reduce the ability to see other important details or objects in the environment. By shifting your gaze to the side and scanning slowly, you utilize peripheral vision, which is more sensitive to detecting movement in low light. This technique allows the eyes to adjust to the darkness and increases awareness of surroundings without focusing too intently on any single source of light, enhancing the ability to notice potential traffic. In contrast, the other methods have limitations; using night vision goggles can be beneficial in certain situations but are not always practical or available and may not provide the full situational awareness needed. Increasing speed may reduce the time in a particular area but can compromise the pilot's ability to adequately assess traffic risks. Therefore, the recommended approach leverages the physiological traits of vision to optimize traffic detection at night.