Terrain & Weather Awareness

This training should build on the syllabus requirements for low flying, providing the student with greater experience and understanding of operating near terrain and the weather conditions it generates, particularly the effects of wind.

A key element of safe flight near terrain is the pilot’s ability to establish a reliable horizon reference when the natural horizon is obscured by terrain or weather.

It is important to develop the student’s awareness of space and inertia when operating in confined areas, particularly when relying on an imaginary horizon.

These exercises can be effectively taught without the need for high mountains, as the fundamental principles remain the same.

The introductory exercise can usually be carried out in most low flying zones. Where this is not possible, flying at 500 feet AGL over an open area with a clearly defined ‘confined area’ of approximately 500 x 500 metres will meet the requirements. The exercise should then be repeated in a valley environment, where the natural horizon is not visible.

Opportunities for scenario-based decision making and contextual threat recognition should be maximised throughout training.

Terrain awareness exercises should emphasise understanding the influence of weather—particularly wind—in relation to terrain, and how this affects both flight conditions and flight path.