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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-black-hole-approach

An approach over dark water or snow with no ground features is nicknamed what?

The black hole approach, a featureless terrain illusion.

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  1. The graveyard spiral
  2. The leans
  3. The black hole approach ✔

Why: With no ground features around, the airplane seems higher than it really is. The PHAK calls this the featureless terrain illusion, or black hole approach, and it makes pilots fly too low.

Huh, didn't know that: The PHAK lists overwater approaches and terrain made featureless by snow as classic setups.

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Why did the pilot avoid the black hole approach? He did not want to get sucked into a bad landing.
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References

Answer: The black hole approach. With no ground features around, the airplane seems higher than it really is. The PHAK calls this the featureless terrain illusion, or black hole approach, and it makes pilots fly too low.

  1. PHAK FAA-H-8083-25C Chapter 17, Aeromedical Factors www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/19_phak_ch17.pdf
    This illusion, sometimes referred to as the “black hole approach,” causes pilots to fly a lower approach than is desired.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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