What is the best way to avoid controlled flight into terrain (CFIT)?

The best approach to avoiding controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) is through enhanced situational awareness and proper flight planning. This means that pilots should have a comprehensive understanding of their environment, including terrain, weather conditions, and potential obstacles. By actively monitoring their flight path and being aware of their surroundings, pilots can make informed decisions to prevent unintentional descents into hazardous areas.

Additionally, effective flight planning helps to set a safe route and altitude, allowing pilots to anticipate terrain and other factors that could contribute to a CFIT event. This planning encompasses not only the intended flight route but also alternative strategies in the event of unexpected circumstances, such as weather changes or technical issues.

While other practices like flying at a high altitude or maintaining a constant altitude can contribute to safety, they do not address the broader aspect of pilot awareness and decision-making that is crucial in preventing CFIT incidents. Regular instrument training is valuable for developing skills, especially in low visibility conditions, but it is situational awareness and flight planning that holistically ensure pilot readiness for the dynamic nature of flight and terrain interactions.