I realize that many of the smaller airports likely are this dark at night, but my recent and only experience with flying was that even after Dulles Int shut down it was almost blindingly bright outside. Every FSX airport all over the world is this giant dark spot, even in Vector, and I was wondering if anyone had a solution for the larger airports. I know they're not that dark, I've been to at least one of them.

You'd be surprised.  They look awfully bright on the ground ramp side.  However, talk to some real world pilots.  The way to find your runway is to look for the dark strip on the ground (in urban areas).

YYZ (Toronto Pearson International) looks like a massive black hole in the city lights when approaching from the north or south. The terminal lights are a little bright, but are mostly on the east side of the airport and almost blend in with the other city lights on that end.

 

Cheers,

DB

I recall taking off from KJFK in March 2012 at night. It is right on the water and out by the runways 04 L/R it is pitch black. Compared to the contrast of the rest of the big city the airport area is very dark. You guys ever see the movie Bullit? And the scene at KSFO where they are running around on the runways in a gunfight at night?

Why are they so dark at night? Especially considering how busy some of them are.

The runway lights are directional and are very bright once you are lined up on final. From the side you'll barely notice them.

 

I prefer that they be dim as it makes it hard to see other objects in the airport environment if they are too bright.

 

During your approach you'll know where to look for the airport.

The runway lights are directional and are very bright once you are lined up on final. From the side you'll barely notice them.

 

I prefer that they be dim as it makes it hard to see other objects in the airport environment if they are too bright.

 

During your approach you'll know where to look for the airport.

 

It also helps if the maneuvering areas (taxiways / runways) are not too brightly lit (no spotlights), as it could destroy pilots' night vision.