The theory of sector whiteout that was put forward , which had never been experienced by any other aviator, or at least reported on, after many years of operations in the area by a number of Air Force aircraft.
If one looks at the ALPA web site one can see the size of Mt Erebus, how it is possible to hit that mountain, and be in legal flight conditions is difficult to perceive.
Prospector, I'm afraid your post demonstrates your lack of understanding of whiteout. Any aviator with arctic experience can give you chapter and verse. Search the old threads for posts by
compressor stall, he is one who flies fixed wing in Antarctica. I've had the opportunity myself to experience white out in Antarctica and can attest to its existence and effect. Given the discussion in previous threads on this subject I'm confused as to why you are expressing such ignorance on the subject.
From FAA "General Aviation Pilot’s Guide to Preflight Weather Planning, Weather Self-Briefings, and Weather Decision Making"
Similarly, scientists who study human vision have determined that weather transitions are sometimes too subtle for the limits of the visual system. Like other sensory organs, the eye responds best to changes. It adapts to circumstances that do not change, or those that change in a gradual or subtle way, by reducing its response. Just as the skin becomes so acclimated to the “feel” of clothing that it is generally not even noticed, the eye can become so accustomed to progressive small changes in light, color, and motion that it no longer “sees” an accurate picture. In deteriorating weather conditions, the reduction in visibility and contrast occurs quite gradually, and it may be quite some time before the pilot senses that the weather conditions have deteriorated significantly. In essence, you have to learn how to look past the visual illusion and see what is really there.
Certain weather conditions also make it particularly difficult to accurately perceive with the eye. For instance, a phenomenon called “flat light” can create very hazardous operating circumstances. Flat light is a condition in which all available light is highly diffused, and information normally available from directional light sources is lost. The result is that there are no shadows, which means that the eye can no longer judge distance, depth features, or textures on the surface with any precision. Flat light is especially dangerous because it can occur with high reported visibility. It is common in areas below an overcast, and on reflective surfaces such as snow or water. It can also occur when blowing snow or sand create flat light conditions accompanied by “white-out,” which is reduced visibility in all directions due to small particles of snow, ice or sand that diffuse the light.
Awareness is important in overcoming these challenges, but you can also develop your visual interpretation skills. Appendix 8 provides tips and techniques you can use to estimate in-flight visibility and cloud clearance, thus enhancing your ability to evaluate in-flight weather conditions accurately.