CFIT = Controlled Flight Into Terrain
By Mark A. Gardner
July 3, 2009
This topic is the scariest topic we can discuss from a Pilot's point of view
As Pilots we like to be in control, we have to be. The last thing we want to think that can happen is crashing into some mountain buried behind, or in a cloud!
Most of the time, during the day at least we can see the ground and avoid it. However, at night and during periods of weather obscuration we can see that pesky hill we are about to hit.
In the last 10 years, or so. we've created advanced detection technologies (TAWS) which has enhanced our terrain safety with increased terrain awarenss. TAWS (Terrain Awareness Wanrning System) is
an electronic cockpit display system that utilizes the GPS (Global Positioning System) to calculate the aircrafts current position then reference a GeoData map coordinate to display the terrain for operational use.
The map data is courtesy of the NASA Space Programs we fianance with our tax dollars; Whoever says the Space investment is a waste of money is really out of touch of how technology touches there daily lives.
Sorry, I am drifting away from our topic at hand.
The CFIT issue is of imporatance to all pilots; Good flight planning is very important.
If, you are planning a flight at night, be very careful, know and understand how obstacles and terrain in the area of your destination will affect your flight. I recommend, if Instrument Rated, you use your Instrument Approach Charts to approach your destination. Use of these charts, as you know, provides guaranteed terrain separation and navigation reception for the intended course. Flying into an Airport with mountainous terrian at night VFR, even under the best conditions, is suicide! (My opinion of course)
Many of the new EFB's have moving maps built into them and give the pilot a high level of situational awareness. These systems are very good, however, there is a drawback that must be taken into consideration.
If, the electrical system on the aircraft fails so does your source of power for you EFB. So hopefully, you have a strong battery that can power you EFB for the remaining flight?
Another drawback of depending on the new navigation systems.... It's my opinion, pilots get lazy and forget how to fly the, ubiquous, VOR system that covers the USA. GPS is fantastic, but we still
have the responsibility as pilot to maintain all of our flying skills.
Ok, now you know my philosophy concerning pilot proficiency, I would like to conclude, by saying, situational awareness is the key to surviving areas where CFIT might be a factor. If, you are in IMC and are in a busy
arrival phase of flight, it is imporatant to know where the terrain is relative to your aircraft. If, you are on the proper course, at or above MCA, MOCA, or MEA or the minimum altitude for the approach segment then you are going to clear all of the terrain. Just remember though, when a controller vectors you off an Airway, or established arrival course, you need to be aware of where the contoller is taking you. Make sure he hasn't forgotten you and is accidently vectoring you into a mountain; This is where, the moving map systems really help the pilot. Without TAWS or a good EFB with a moving map the cockpit workload really increases.
Well, there you have it.... CFIT risk can be managed, but the risk never goes away. It's your job, as Pilot-in-Command to make your you survive your flight by not hitting HIGH FLYING MOUNTAINS!
Below I have provided the current CFIT Checklist to increase the safety of you and your passengers.
Be sure and tell your friends to come visit Desert Falcon Rising for their avaition entertainment.
The link below is a CFIT Checklist to keep you out of the trees! 
