The Big Picture

I ts widely accepted that having good situational awareness is vital to safe and efficient flying. But what does situational awareness even mean? How do we develop and maintain the good kind? How do we fit ourselves into the big picture, and why is it important to do so? And once we understand these aspects of situational awareness, how can we use it to make things easier? On three recent flights, I feel I had a high level of situational awareness and used it to make a difference. In one I used my knowledge of my place in the big picture to help another pilot. In the second I used it to help myself. In the third I used it to eliminate a possible delay on an approach. Heres what Im talking about.

Tom Turner

Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Situational awareness in aviation is defined as a comprehensive "big picture" understanding of all factors (pilot, aircraft, environment, external pressures) affecting a flight, which is vital for safe and efficient operations.
This broader perspective enables pilots to anticipate events and make proactive, informed decisions that can benefit themselves, other aircraft, and air traffic control, as demonstrated by the author's flight examples.
Developing and maintaining good situational awareness requires actively looking beyond immediate cockpit instrumentation and counteracting potential distractions or complacency, even with advanced technology.

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I t’s widely accepted that having “good situational awareness” is vital to safe and efficient flying. But what does “situational awareness” even mean? How do we develop and maintain the “good” kind? How do we fit ourselves into the big picture, and why is it important to do so? And once we understand these aspects of situational awareness, how can we use it to make things easier? On three recent flights, I feel I had a high level of situational awareness and used it to make a difference. In one I used my knowledge of my place in the big picture to help another pilot. In the second I used it to help myself. In the third I used it to eliminate a possible delay on an approach. Here’s what I’m talking about.