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 the accurate perception and understanding of all factors (pilot, airplane, environment, and external pressures) affecting flight safety, allowing pilots to see the "big picture" beyond their immediate cockpit.
Developing good situational awareness is crucial for anticipating future events, making proactive and informed decisions, adapting to changing conditions, reducing workload, and enhancing overall flight efficiency and safety for oneself and others.
Achieving and maintaining this awareness requires an outward focus, actively integrating all available information (even with advanced avionics), and understanding the dynamic environment to avoid fixation, distraction, and complacency.

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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.