What effect does haze have on the ability to see traffic or terrain features during flight?

Haze can create visual illusions that affect a pilot's perception of distance, particularly when approaching a runway. In conditions of haze, objects such as runways and terrain can appear to be farther away than they actually are, which may lead a pilot to inadvertently fly a lower approach. This occurs because pilots rely on visual cues for distance judgment, and the presence of haze skews those perceptions. As a result, the aircraft could be at a greater risk of descending too early or misjudging the proper altitude necessary for a safe approach.

The tendency of haze to make distant objects seem more distant than they truly are compounds the risk during final approach, where precision is critical. Pilots must be acutely aware of this optical illusion to maintain safe flight operations, particularly under instrument flight rules where reliance on visual cues might already be challenged. Understanding this effect is essential for safe landings during conditions of reduced visibility.