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Can you think of an unavoidable danger that affects all pilots? It reduces exterior AND interior visibility, degrades situational awareness, and it can leave you with a physical headache.
Each of the following NASA ASRS reports were written by pilots that experienced the same environmental challenge. Here's the common theme...
1) "On final to runway 26 I was headed into the sun and had some minor sun glare issues. Upon touchdown and beginning roll out, and while still on the active runway, another aircraft taking off downwind passed over top of me by an estimated 150 feet horizontal and 35 feet vertical separation. I could not see this aircraft approaching as it blended into the background and the sun glare. Witnesses on the ground (including two CFI's) report the offending aircraft taxied out to runway 8, turned onto the runway without stopping/looking and immediately proceeded to take off downwind."
2) "Once cleared for the visual, I requested 2000 feet to be set and then I selected a descent rate of 1200 fpm. The final fix at ZIMBI had a published altitude of 1600. With the glare from the sun and wearing sunglasses, I did not notice the descent rate was 1900 fpm. We noticed the descent rate, I canceled the auto pilot, and smoothly transitioned to 1200 fpm. ATC contacted us with a low altitude alert saying there was a minimum vectoring altitude of 3000'. We leveled off at 2300'."
You've probably experienced your fair share of glare-related issues in the cockpit. It might not be something you've thought of as a danger, but it can dramatically reduce your overall situational awareness. You probably wouldn't be very happy if a passenger took a picture with flash in the cockpit... Being temporarily blinded is the risk glare adds.
It's such a big problem that the FAA published a study called "Evaluation of Glare as a Hazard for General Aviation Pilots on Final Approach"
Here are a few times when glare is most noticeable and dangerous:
There's not a whole lot you can do about most sources of glare. While you can't control anything outside of your airplane, you can control how clean your airplane is and what tools you bring with you.
Make sure you have a clean windshield before you fly. If it's dirty, you're going to have a tough time seeing through the bright light that's reflected by particles all over your windshield.
Always pack a pair of sunglasses with you, and consider installing a set of see-through sun visors in the cockpit if you don't have them. You can even buy suction-cup portable sun shades if you don't have a way to install new equipment.
Have you had a bad experience with glare? Tell us about it in the comments below.