indeed an annoying issue for experienced pilots. I did some extra research, and the same happens even if I turn the lights on and the engine off and vice-versa. Also happens with weapons attached. I tried to see if landing on different surfaces or landing in different orientations would work...I tried: Grass, Sand, Concrete, Water, Power lines, Trees, buildings,Docks, Upside down, backwards, etc...they either didn't work or promptly resulted in death.

I confirm. the HUD is very dim.