FlyCurrentFLYCURRENT
AI.II.I.R3FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Risk management

Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).

Bottom line

Strong winds in mountainous terrain can cause severe turbulence and downdrafts and can be very hazardous for aircraft even when there is no other significant weather. To avoid terrain and obstacles, especially at night or in low visibility, determine safe altitudes in advance by using the altitudes shown on VFR and IFR charts during preflight planning.

FAA references

  1. RMH ch. 1 (p. 1-2) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. AIH ch. 1 (pp. 1-5–1-6) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  3. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-15) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  4. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-6) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  5. PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-34) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  6. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  7. PHAK Glossary (p. G-30) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
Members lesson

Build understanding you can use

Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.

  • Full teaching sections: Hazard; How it shows up; Decision rules; Mitigations; The hazard
  • Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
View membership options