Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
Terrain Avoidance

Ground Segment

Objectives:

The objectives of this month’s Ground Segment on, you will increase your understanding of Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). You will define techniques and operating procedures that reduce the likelihood of having a CFIT accident. You will be more proficient and safer in daily flight operations using the knowledge of CFIT gained from this month’s Ground Segment and Flight Segment.

The following will lead you through this month’s CFIT Ground Segment. The approximate half an hour required for the ground portion will be of great benefit and should be completed prior to the flight portion.

  • Definition of CFIT
  • Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) occurs when an airworthy airplane under the control of a pilot is inadvertently flown into terrain, water, or an obstacle with inadequate awareness on the part of the pilot of the impending disaster.

  • Why do CFIT accidents occur?
  • Follow the link below and learn about CFIT accidents and when they are likely to occur.

  • CFIT Information

  • A more personal look at a CFIT accident.
  • Follow the link below and read about a CFIT accident from the NTSB website

  • CFIT Accident

  • After reading the NTSB accident brief, take some time to reflect on all the factors involved in this accident. Think of ways that could have prevented this accident. Your findings will help you identify ways to avoid a CFIT accident.
  • What affect did weather have?
  • How did night along with the weather affect the accident?
  • Was the surrounding terrain an issue?
  • Did the pilot consider all risk factors for the flight prior to departure?
  • Can you identify any ‘red flags’ that would have changed your decision to fly with those conditions?
  • What in-flight weather decisions could have helped prevent this accident?
  • Was fatigue an issue?
  • Is there anyway the pilot could have completed the flight and eliminated the risk of the accident? (hint- ATP/CFI/Instrument Rated Pilot)
  • What equipment in your airplane could have helped prevent this accident?

  • Information to help prevent a CFIT accident
  • Follow the link below to review important CFIT accident avoidance information AOPA Terrain Avoidance Plan Safety Brief.

  • Complete the quiz by following the link below regarding the Terrain Avoidance Plan Safety Brief

  • Terrain Avoidance Quiz

  • Reducing the risk of a CFIT accident in your daily operation
  • Proper Pre-flight Planning
  • Obtain a detailed weather brief and have a clear understanding of the current and forecasted weather along your entire route
  • Have defined personal weather minimums and never compromise your minimums. See Section 13 of the Training Guide for help creating personal weather minimums
  • Become aware of all terrain along the route and how it will effect the operation and safety of the flight (Keep in mind you do not have to be in mountainous terrain to have a CFIT accident, 45% of CFIT accidents are in flat terrain, FAA)

  • Operational Techniques
  • Avoid flying in Marginal VFR (MFVR) conditions, especially at night.
  • File and fly IFR whenever possible
  • Get your instrument rating if you do not have it
  • Take a mountain flying course prior to venturing into mountainous terrain for the first time and develop conservative personal weather minimums when operating in mountainous terrain
  • Stay proficient in all aspects of the operation of your airplane especially your avionics
  • Remember the golden rule of piloting; Fly the Airplane First (Aviate), Navigate, then Communicate

  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Always maintain situational and positional awareness with the use of your PFD or Flight Instruments, MFD, Garmin 1 and 2, and Autopilot.
  • Consider the benefits of having a Terrain Avoidance Warning System (TAWS). According to the April issue of Aviation International News, since 1996 there has not been a CFIT accident involving an airplane equipped with a TAWS system.
  • Review the emergency escape maneuver if your airplane is equipped with TAWS
  • Honeywell KGP 560 Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System is available for installation in your CIRRUS airplane. Contact your local Cirrus Service Center for more information