What does the term "false horizon" refer to?

The term "false horizon" refers to a visual illusion that can occur during flight, particularly in conditions where the natural horizon is obscured or difficult to discern, such as over water or in fog. This phenomenon often arises because lighting conditions or other environmental factors create misleading visual cues that cause a pilot to misinterpret their orientation relative to the true horizon.

Simulating level flight through light patterns is an important aspect of understanding why a false horizon might mislead a pilot. In particular, the interplay of various light sources, such as city lights, the moon, or other reflections, can create the illusion of a horizon line separate from the actual one. When pilots rely on these misleading cues, they may mistakenly believe they are flying level when they actually are not, leading to potential loss of control or altitude awareness.

This unique definition helps illustrate how vital situational awareness and reliance on instruments are during flight, especially in low-visibility scenarios. Understanding the concept of false horizon enhances a pilot's skills in recognizing and responding to misleading sensory information.