Aeronautical Decision-Making

• Does the fuel quantity delivered match the fuel guidance? Is the terminal airport equipped with them? quantity ordered? Are they working? Will the pilot need to use the radio to activate the airport lights? V = EnVironment • Check the Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) for closed Weather runways or airports. Look for runway or beacon lights Weather is a major environmental consideration. Earlier it was out, nearby towers, etc. suggested pilots set their own personal minimums, especially • Choose the flight route wisely. An engine failure gives when it comes to weather. As pilots evaluate the weather for the nearby airports supreme importance. a particular flight, they should consider the following: • Are there shorter or obstructed fields at the destination • What is the current ceiling and visibility? In and/or alternate airports? mountainous terrain, consider having higher minimums for ceiling and visibility, particularly if Airspace the terrain is unfamiliar. • If the trip is over remote areas, is there appropriate • Consider the possibility that the weather may be clothing, water, and survival gear onboard in the event different than forecast. Have alternative plans and of a forced landing? be ready and willing to divert, should an unexpected change occur. • If the trip includes flying over water or unpopulated areas with the chance of losing visual reference to the • Consider the winds at the airports being used and the horizon, the pilot must be prepared to fly IFR. strength of the crosswind component. • Check the airspace and any temporary flight restriction • If flying in mountainous terrain, consider whether (TFRs) along the route of flight. there are strong winds aloft. Strong winds in mountainous terrain can cause severe turbulence and downdrafts and be very hazardous for aircraft even Nighttime when there is no other significant weather. Night flying requires special consideration. • Are there any thunderstorms present or forecast? • If the trip includes flying at night over water or unpopulated areas with the chance of losing visual • If there are clouds, is there any icing, current or reference to the horizon, the pilot must be prepared forecast? What is the temperature/dew point spread to fly IFR. and the current temperature at altitude? Can descent be made safely all along the route? • Will the flight conditions allow a safe emergency landing at night? • If icing conditions are encountered, is the pilot experienced at operating the aircraft’s deicing or • Perform preflight check of all aircraft lights, interior anti-icing equipment? Is this equipment in good and exterior, for a night flight. Carry at least two condition and functional? For what icing conditions flashlights—one for exterior preflight and a smaller is the aircraft rated, if any? one that can be dimmed and kept nearby. Terrain E = External Pressures Evaluation of terrain is another important component of External pressures are influences external to the flight that analyzing the flight environment. create a sense of pressure to complete a flight—often at the expense of safety. Factors that can be external pressures • To avoid terrain and obstacles, especially at night or include the following: in low visibility, determine safe altitudes in advance by using the altitudes shown on VFR and IFR charts • Someone waiting at the airport for the flight’s arrival during preflight planning. • A passenger the pilot does not want to disappoint • Use maximum elevation figures (MEFs) and other • The desire to demonstrate pilot qualifications easily obtainable data to minimize chances of an inflight collision with terrain or obstacles. • The desire to impress someone (Probably the two most dangerous words in aviation are “Watch this!”) Airport • The desire to satisfy a specific personal goal (“get- home-itis,” “get-there-itis,” and “let’s-go-itis”) • What lights are available at the destination and alternate airports? VASI/PAPI or ILS glideslope • The pilot’s general goal-completion orientation 2-9