An experienced pilot flying at night goes "heads down" to check a logbook. A brief distraction occurs, the aircraft inadvertently drifts toward rising terrain, and a catastrophic crash follows.
It only takes a single moment of inattention to lose track of your flightpath — whether it's caused by task saturation, complacency, fatigue, or the weather.
In the latest episode of the FAA’s The Rotorcraft Collective, we dive into why "Flightpath First" must be every pilot's priority. Don't let the helicopter focus fool you; these foundational principles of trajectory management and human factors apply to every single aviator in the sky, regardless of what you fly.
>>> Watch “Flightpath First” on YouTube <<<
What you'll learn in this quick safety video:
- Beyond the Screen: Why flightpath management is about active verification, not just watching your position on a moving map.
- Automation Pitfalls: The vital rule of autopilot use — "Select, and then verify" to avoid catastrophic mode confusion.
- The Big Picture: How to recognize risks and maintain control during high-stress scenarios like out-of-trim conditions, unexpected go-arounds, or sudden power loss.
Take a few minutes to watch this essential safety briefing, update your CRM toolkit, and ensure you always stay ahead of your aircraft.
Fly safe and stay the course, and watch “Always Put Your Flightpath First.”
Sent by the FAA Special Programs Section, AFS-830