Pilots rely on a combination of instruments, external lighting (though limited), and training to navigate the darkness during night flights.
According to the reference, planes have headlights, but these are primarily useful only during takeoffs and landings. Even with these lights, visibility out of the cockpit window remains limited to darkness. This suggests other methods are paramount for pilots to see while flying at night.
Therefore, while headlights offer minimal assistance, pilots primarily rely on the following:
- Instrument Flight: Modern aircraft are equipped with sophisticated instruments that provide crucial information about altitude, heading, airspeed, and location, even in the absence of visual cues.
- Navigation Systems: Pilots use navigation systems like GPS and radio beacons to stay on course and avoid obstacles.
- External Lighting (Cities and the Moon): Although planes have headlights that are not very effective, city lights and the moon can offer some assistance with visibility.
