Which environmental factors are included in Degraded Visual Environment (DVE)?

The correct answer identifies specific environmental conditions that significantly impair a pilot's ability to maintain visual reference. Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) is characterized by conditions that limit visibility and can create challenges during flight operations, particularly during takeoff and landing phases.

Fog, smoke, blowing dust, snow, and heavy rain are all phenomena that reduce clarity and visibility. For example, fog obscures the horizon and ground references, which can lead to spatial disorientation. Smoke can obscure both visuals and landmarks, making navigation difficult. Similarly, blowing dust can create a veil over the terrain, rendering it hard to see, while snow and heavy rain can create significant atmospheric interference that hinders visual cues essential for safe flying.

In contrast, the other options do not represent typical factors associated with DVE. High winds and sunshine may present some challenges, but they do not significantly diminish visual reference in the same way that fog, smoke, and heavy precipitation do. Clear skies and low humidity actually contribute to optimal flying conditions and enhance visibility rather than degrade it. Lastly, night flying without instruments is a separate concern related to the lack of natural light and reliance on instrument navigation, not specifically categorized under the conditions classified as DVE. Thus, the selection reflects an accurate understanding of