AIM

10/12/17

8

−

1

−

9

Fitness for Flight

f. Recognize High Hazard Areas.

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.