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 affecting a flight, emphasizing "seeing the big picture" beyond immediate cockpit focus.
Developing strong situational awareness enables pilots to make proactive decisions that can benefit themselves (e.g., avoiding delays, managing fuel) and other aircraft (e.g., aiding traffic flow).
Achieving and maintaining good situational awareness requires pilots to actively look outward and integrate information from various sources, overcoming distractions and complacency that can lead to an inward, limited focus.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.