AIM

4/3/14

8−1−9

Fitness for Flight

1.

Airways, especially near VORs, and Class B,

Class C, Class D, and Class E surface areas are places

where aircraft tend to cluster.

2.

Remember, most collisions occur during days

when the weather is good. Being in a “radar

environment” still requires vigilance to avoid

collisions.

g. Cockpit Management.

Studying maps,

checklists, and manuals before flight, with other

proper preflight planning; e.g., noting necessary

radio frequencies and organizing cockpit materials,

can reduce the amount of time required to look at

these items during flight, permitting more scan time.

h. Windshield Conditions.

Dirty or bug-

smeared windshields can greatly reduce the ability of

pilots to see other aircraft. Keep a clean windshield.

i. Visibility Conditions.

Smoke, haze, dust, rain,

and flying towards the sun can also greatly reduce the

ability to detect targets.

j. Visual Obstructions in the Cockpit.

1.

Pilots need to move their heads to see around

blind spots caused by fixed aircraft structures, such as

door posts, wings, etc. It will be necessary at times to

maneuver the aircraft; e.g., lift a wing, to facilitate

seeing.

2.

Pilots must ensure curtains and other cockpit

objects; e.g., maps on glare shield, are removed and

stowed during flight.

k. Lights On.

1.

Day or night, use of exterior lights can greatly

increase the conspicuity of any aircraft.

2.

Keep interior lights low at night.

l. ATC Support.

ATC facilities often provide

radar traffic advisories on a workload-permitting

basis. Flight through Class C and Class D airspace

requires communication with ATC. Use this support

whenever possible or when required.