Yes, pilots can see when flying, but their vision is limited to what they can directly view from the cockpit. They cannot see the entire aircraft.
Pilot's View from the Cockpit
From their vantage point inside the cockpit, pilots have a specific field of view. This view is primarily focused on:
- The cockpit itself: They can see all the instruments and controls within the cockpit.
- Immediate surroundings: They can observe the immediate exterior surroundings, such as the sky, and nearby objects, like clouds.
- Wingtips and outer engines: Pilots can see the wingtips and at least the outermost engines, if the plane has four.
However, pilots have blind spots. They cannot see certain parts of the plane:
- Rear of the plane: They cannot see the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, or their control surfaces located at the rear of the plane.
Navigating with Limited Visibility
Because pilots cannot see the entire aircraft, they rely on:
- Instruments: Instruments in the cockpit provide essential information about the plane's altitude, speed, and attitude.
- External communication: Air traffic controllers provide guidance and information to help pilots navigate safely.
- Trained awareness: Pilots are trained to maintain situational awareness and to understand what's happening with their aircraft, even if it is not within their direct line of sight.
Visual Limitations and Safety
The fact that pilots cannot see the entire plane is a known limitation and is taken into account in aircraft design and pilot training. There are procedures in place to ensure the safe operation of flights, despite this limited visibility.
