IR.I.C.R3FAA-S-ACS-8C · 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

Terrain and surface features are a significant hazard to all aircraft. 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. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. RMH ch. 2 (p. 2-5) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  3. AIM 4-3-27 (Operations at Uncontrolled Airports With Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)/Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS)) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  4. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-9) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  5. PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-17) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  6. AIM 5-1-10 (IFR Operations to High Altitude Destinations) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  7. IFH ch. 9 (p. 9-28) — FAA-H-8083-15B
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