Whether your flying club operates in a mountainous region or mostly over flat land, a refresher on controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) avoidance is a good idea. Just in time for the summer vacation flying season, the Air Safety Institute (ASI) has produced a new video about CFIT, which offers suggestions for avoiding terrain as well as towers and other obstructions.
For many pilots, accidents involving terrain and obstructions fall into the “can’t happen to me” category. But getting caught in a tight situation is easier than you think, and escape can be difficult or impossible. The ASI video, made possible by the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Flight Safety Foundation and Donner Canadian Foundation, aims to raise awareness of the risks and help pilots recognize potentially dangerous situations before it’s too late.
Featuring interviews with pilots who have had CFIT close calls and want other pilots to learn from their experiences, the video includes helpful tips such as how to use paper and electronic charts to gather terrain information, the effect of altitude on aircraft performance, the unique risks associated with flying at night in mountainous areas, and the benefits of obstacle departure procedures for both IFR and VFR pilots.
Why not kick off your next flying club safety meeting by asking your members the following questions, and then watching the ASI video:
You may be surprised by the amount of discussion that follows!
For additional information about terrain and obstruction avoidance, check out ASI’s
Collision Avoidance Safety Spotlight.
Safe pilots are always learning, and the Air Safety Institute’s goal is to ensure pilots have a wealth of information to keep flying safely. Our educational programs are funded through donations from pilots dedicated to forwarding that mission. Show your support by donating to the AOPA Foundation today.
