Definition
A depth perception cue that requires both eyes working together. The brain compares the slightly different images received from each eye to judge the distance and three-dimensional position of nearby objects.
Plain English
A way of judging distance that only works when you use both eyes at the same time. Each eye sees a slightly different view, and your brain combines them to tell how far away something is.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation human factors discussions about vision, depth perception, landing judgment, and judging the distance to nearby objects.
Derivation
From Latin 'bini' meaning 'two at a time' and 'oculus' meaning 'eye.' A binocular cue is literally a 'two-eye cue' — depth information that depends on having two eyes working together.
Why Pilots Care
Allows accurate judgment of runway distance and aircraft height during visual approaches when instruments are not primary.
Analogy
It is like looking at the same object from two camera positions. The small difference between the two views helps your brain judge distance.
Intuition Check
Do not read “cue” here as a cockpit warning or an outside signal. A binocular cue is visual information your brain creates from using both eyes.
Example Sentence 1
During the landing flare, binocular cues help the pilot judge the final few feet to the runway.
Example Sentence 2
At night or in low visibility, binocular cues weaken and pilots must rely more on other visual references.