Definition
A piece of training equipment, such as a hood or foggles, worn by a pilot to block the view outside the aircraft while leaving the flight instruments fully visible. It simulates flight in cloud or low visibility so the pilot must rely solely on the instruments for aircraft control and navigation.
Plain English
A simple wearable that stops the pilot from looking outside, so they have to fly using only the cockpit instruments. It is used during training to practise flying without seeing the ground or horizon.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument training syllabi, lesson plans, and practice flights when a pilot is learning to fly without relying on the outside view.
Derivation
The name describes the function: it limits what the pilot can see. Common forms include the 'hood' (a visor that blocks the upper field of view) and 'foggles' (glasses with frosted upper lenses).
Why Pilots Care
It allows safe, controlled practice of instrument flying skills without entering actual clouds, reducing the risk of spatial disorientation during real instrument flight.
Intuition Check
A view-limiting device does not create real instrument weather, and it is not meant to blind the pilot completely. It only limits the pilot’s outside view so instrument flying skills can be practiced.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor asked the student to put on the view-limiting device before beginning the practice approach.
Example Sentence 2
View-limiting devices let pilots build instrument proficiency safely in clear weather.