What can create the sensation of being low when approaching a runway?

The sensation of feeling low when approaching a runway can indeed be created by a downsloping, wide runway. When a runway slopes downwards, it can visually deceive pilots, making them feel as though they are higher than they actually are relative to the runway. This is because the descent may not appear as steep as it is, leading to a mismatch between their altitude perception and the actual altitude. The width of the runway can further contribute to this optical illusion, as a wider surface may create a different visual reference point for the pilot, enhancing the misperception of height and potentially leading to an improper approach angle.

In contrast, an upsloping narrow runway may give the impression of being higher since the runway ascends towards the aircraft, making it seem as though the pilot is lower than they would expect; this could also impact height perception but tends not to evoke the same feeling of being excessively low. Poor visibility can distract pilots and may cause challenges in making accurate judgments about altitude, but it does not specifically create the sensation of being low on approach in the same clear way that a downsloping wide runway does. Corrective eyewear may assist with vision clarity but does not inherently affect altitude perception.