Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)

Definition

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) is an aviation accident scenario where an airworthy aircraft, under the control of the pilot, inadvertently flies into the ground or an obstacle. This situation often occurs during normal operations and is a significant concern for flight safety, highlighting the importance of effective training, situational awareness, and technological aids to prevent such incidents.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CFIT is often linked to a lack of situational awareness, where pilots may not fully perceive their altitude or proximity to terrain, leading to tragic outcomes.
2. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of CFIT accidents occur during the approach and landing phases of flight, when pilots are more focused on managing descent rates and landing procedures.
3. The implementation of Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) has greatly reduced the incidence of CFIT accidents by providing real-time alerts to pilots about potential terrain collisions.
4. Training programs that emphasize scenario-based learning and simulator exercises can improve pilots' ability to recognize and respond effectively to CFIT situations.
5. CFIT accidents account for a notable portion of aviation fatalities, underscoring the necessity for ongoing education and the use of advanced technology in flight operations.

Review Questions

• How does situational awareness contribute to the prevention of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) incidents?
  • Situational awareness is critical in preventing CFIT incidents as it involves a pilot's ability to perceive their aircraft's position relative to terrain and obstacles. When pilots maintain high situational awareness, they can make informed decisions about altitude, heading, and descent rates. Training that enhances situational awareness helps pilots recognize potential threats and take timely corrective actions before a CFIT scenario develops.
• Discuss the role of technology, such as Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS), in reducing CFIT accidents.
  • Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) play a vital role in mitigating CFIT accidents by alerting pilots to potential collisions with terrain. These systems provide real-time information about terrain elevation in relation to the aircraft's altitude, allowing for timely warnings if an impact is imminent. The widespread adoption of TAWS has been linked to a significant decrease in CFIT incidents, demonstrating how technological advancements can enhance aviation safety.
• Evaluate the impact of human factors on CFIT incidents and propose strategies to address these challenges in pilot training.
  • Human factors significantly impact CFIT incidents as cognitive biases, fatigue, and inadequate decision-making processes can lead pilots to misjudge their surroundings. To address these challenges in pilot training, it is essential to incorporate scenarios that simulate high-pressure situations where situational awareness is compromised. Additionally, ongoing education on recognizing personal biases and implementing crew resource management techniques can further enhance pilot performance, ultimately reducing the risk of CFIT accidents.

Related terms

Situational Awareness: The perception of environmental elements in relation to time and space, and the comprehension of their meaning, which allows pilots to make informed decisions.

Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS): A system designed to alert pilots if their aircraft is in danger of flying into terrain or obstacles, providing critical information to help avoid CFIT incidents.

Human Factors: The study of how humans interact with various systems, particularly how cognitive biases and decision-making processes can contribute to aviation accidents.