ABSTRACT
Lindbergh's deliberate sacrifice was exceptional. In general, a pilot's ability to conduct a safe flight, as reviewed in Chapter 2 and mandated in the concept of Visual Meteorological Conditions, depends upon a view of the external world that can supply:-
a) dynamic cues for stabilising the aircraft, avoiding disorientation and judging speed, height, attitude and direction of travel
b) an appreciation of the shape of the surrounding terrain and any obstacles for choosing a safe flight path, or on the ground a taxi path
c) the identity of specific features in the scene that are crucial aim-points, such as runways, and prominent features used to update the navigation system or confirm that the aircraft is where navigation aids say it is
d) the position, track and identity of other air vehicles for optimising tactical manoeuvres and avoiding collisions and wake turbulence
e) cloud and other meteorological phenomena that may affect scene visibility or indicate a hazardous air mass.
