For effective navigation during night flights, what types of visual checkpoints should a pilot look for?

The choice of lighted obstructions and cities as effective visual checkpoints during night flights is correct because they provide clear, identifiable markers for a pilot navigating in reduced visibility conditions. At night, natural terrain features like mountains and hills may not be visible, making it difficult to use them as reference points.

Instead, lighted features such as cities, highways, and significant structures are prominent visual indicators that can be seen from a distance and can help pilots maintain situational awareness and orientation. These lights create contrast against the dark surroundings and are often found in areas where they create a distinct pattern, assisting pilots in determining their location and intended flight path.

In contrast, while mountains and hills might be significant during daytime navigation, they lack visibility at night. Relying solely on highways and roads is limiting, as these features might not always be lit or sufficiently prominent. Dark fields and forests provide little to no reference during nighttime navigation, potentially leading to disorientation. Thus, lighted obstructions and cities are the best choice for night visual checkpoints.