What aids might a pilot rely on for visual guidance during descent?

Pilots rely on PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) and VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator) for visual guidance during descent because these systems provide critical information regarding the aircraft's position in relation to the ideal glide slope. Both PAPI and VASI consist of a series of lights that indicate whether the aircraft is on the correct approach path, below it, or above it.

For instance, if the pilot sees a combination of red and white lights, it signals that they are approaching the correct glide slope. On the other hand, all red or all white lights indicate being too low or too high, respectively. This visual aid is particularly important during the final approach phase when precision is required for landing safely.

While runway lights and traffic pattern indicators provide important information as well, they do not specifically offer guidance on the ideal descent path in the same direct manner as PAPI and VASI. Therefore, the focus on PAPI and VASI as the primary aids for visual guidance during descent makes that choice the most appropriate answer.