![]() Many feature realistic graphics that offer a good picture of your destination.Īlways keep in mind that no flight is routine. Use a flight simulation program or device to practice flying into the area. If you’re flying into a remote area or unfamiliar environment, use Google Earth for a sneak peek at where you’re going and what type of terrain and obstacles you might encounter along the route. Use maximum elevation figures (MEF) to minimize chances of an inflight collision. That means at least a mile from airspace and 2,000 feet vertically from terrain that you’re trying to avoid. Review VFR charts for minimum safe altitudes, obstacles, and terrain elevations to determine safe altitudes before your flight. For example, check the charts for an alternate airport for every 25 to 30 nautical mile segment of your route. Identify a pre-planned diversion or suitable landing areas near or along your route. With a pre-planned mental map in mind, you’ll spend less time heads-down and more time looking out the window to see and avoid other aircraft, terrain, and obstacles. Review Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and airport layouts. Get familiar with your route before takeoff. In summary, prepare for the unexpected - have a plan for what you’ll do if you encounter less than stellar conditions. Keep track of conditions behind you, so you know if you can simply reverse course in a pinch. While en route, stay tuned to the outside world - heads up, eyes out - for unexpected weather. FRATs easily integrate with charting programs, cockpit displays, and weather imagery.īe sure to obtain and understand a preflight weather briefing, and don’t forget that webcams in some locations can provide a real-time look at the weather along your route. Take advantage of the various flight risk assessment tools (FRATs). The PAVE, 5P, and IMSAFE checklists will help you make a well-reasoned go/no-go decision and determine your personal level of risk for any flight. Preflight checklists are your friends - use them. Good situational awareness begins with a good preflight risk assessment. Know what you’re getting into know where you’re going know your capabilities and know your resources prior to takeoff. The key to combating CFIT accidents starts on the ground, and sound preflight planning is step one. With proper preflight preparation and smart decision making, you can see and avoid CFIT. When it comes to VFR flying, a CFIT accident does not have to happen. In fact, in a typical year more than 75-percent of CFIT accidents occur in daylight, and more than half take place in visual conditions, with either VFR or instrument-rated pilots at the helm. ![]() You would think that CFIT accidents involve inexperienced pilots flying in dark night or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). So why does a VFR pilot, with positive control of a fully functioning aircraft, accidentally fly it into the ground? Or into the side of a mountain, or a body of water, or any obstacle?ĭespite the fact that many pilots have enhanced cockpit technologies on their side, these unintentional collisions, defined as controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), consistently ranked as a top three general aviation (GA) accident causal factor over the last two decades. Source: FAA Safety Briefing, Nov/Dec 2020 Look Up, Look Out See and Avoid CFIT Strategies for VFR Pilots
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