What happens when an approach is flown to a narrower than usual runway?

When an approach is flown to a narrower than usual runway, the correct understanding is that the aircraft appears higher than it actually is. This phenomenon occurs due to the way the perspective changes as the width of the runway decreases. Pilots are accustomed to visual cues during their approach, and these cues can impact their perception of altitude.

In scenarios where the runway is narrower, the pilot may perceive the aircraft to be higher above the runway than it truly is because the landing environment does not provide the same visual references they expect when approaching a standard-width runway. This misperception can lead pilots to inadvertently descend below the optimum glide path if they do not adjust their approach accordingly.

Understanding this visual illusion allows pilots to maintain better situational awareness and make appropriate corrections to their approach profile to ensure a safe landing. It's crucial for pilots to recognize these cues and adjust their altitudes and rates of descent based on the actual data from their instruments, rather than relying solely on visual assessments.