What might indicate an upslope runway illusion to a pilot?

An upslope runway illusion occurs when a pilot perceives a runway as being higher than it actually is due to visual cues in the environment. This illusion can lead to misjudgment during landing, as pilots may believe they need to adjust their approach and altitude based on this false perception. In the case of a runway that looks high and the aircraft seems higher than it actually is, the pilot may misinterpret their altitude and approach path, which could lead to an unsafe landing scenario.

The illusion is typically exacerbated by the surrounding terrain or a lack of adequate visual references. An upslope runway might be bordered by rising ground features, leading to the perception that the runway itself is elevated. This can result in unnecessary adjustments to descent rates or approach angles, adding complexity to the landing process.

Understanding this illusion is critical for pilots to maintain awareness of their actual positioning and to adjust their approach based on accurate readings rather than visual misperceptions.