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Flight Safety Essay

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Flight Safety

If you knew that today was the day an accident would occur you probably wouldn't even bother getting out of bed. Since this is never the case and a lapse in awareness can be deadly, situational awareness (SA) is your best defense against unforeseen accidents.
The following is a brief discussion of what causes loss of SA and some hints to avoid these pitfalls. From the very first flight lesson, navigation is taught as your highest priority as a pilot.
Communication, sightseeing and all other tasks involved in flight are taught to be subordinate to this. Keeping awareness of your current situation and anticipating what will or could happen in the near future is a time consuming task but critical to …show more content…

Once you accomplish this you now are aware of your current situation. Anticipation is key to maintaining situational awareness for future projection. You must use all information available and project multiple eventualities to prepare for any events that may occur in the future. Normally this is a fairly simple predictable process and is a lifesaver in tasking situations. You must consider future contingencies as well and these may save your life. Events such as emergencies, equipment failures, and unplanned maneuvers by other aircraft are examples of useful projections. Thinking through the 'what', 'where', 'when', and 'who' of a potential unexpected occurrence may be just enough prior planning to make the difference between success and failure. Finally have a plan. All of the SA and future projections in the world are useless unless you consider alternatives in advance and at least mentally implement them to judge their effectiveness. No matter how much you focus, evaluate and, plan many other variable will compete for your attention. Here are some traps that may try to steal your SA and ways to avoid them. Focus on the right Information at the right time. A lapse in judgment can occur at any time to anyone. Keep your priorities straight. If flying watch your altimeter lest the ground come up and smite thee. If on the ground, pay attention to street signs and right of way indicators. If something doesn't feel right it

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