Event Details and Registration

Controlled Flight Into Terrain remains a major fatal accident category for Part 91 pilots, especially during inadvertent IMC or marginal visibility operations. Central Florida’s rapid convection, coastal haze, and dense tower clusters create unique CFIT precursors. This seminar teaches pilots how to detect deteriorating visibility early, manage automation during IMC transitions, avoid night and haze illusions, and apply a standardized escape maneuver. Emphasis is placed on local obstacle environments, weather traps, and practical ADM tools to prevent CFIT in the Orlando Class B shelf.

Please visit the Orlando Executive Airport FAASTeam Library web site:

 https://www.fsr-inc.org/FAAST/Seminar/Notice.aspx

From Colonial Drive turn south on Rickenbacker Dr. Continue through the Fairgreen St intersection to the end of Rickenbacker Dr. and into the parking lot. Park in any available designated spot. Walk east to the Airport Administration Building.

Orlando Executive Airport (ORL)
365 Rickenbacker Dr.
Orlando, FL 32802

For additional and background information, please visit the Orlando Executive Airport FAASTeam Library web site: https://www.fsr-inc.org/FAAST/Seminar/Notice.aspx

Background
CFIT accidents rarely stem from a single mistake—they emerge from subtle visibility degradation, automation mismanagement, and incomplete terrain/obstacle awareness. Central Florida’s environment magnifies these risks: fast forming storms, haze induced horizon loss, and tall obstacles under the Class B shelf. This seminar provides actionable tools for early detection and decisive escape.
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Relevant ACS Elements
Private Pilot ACS
•    PA.I.D: Risk Management
•    PA.II: Preflight Weather and Planning
•    PA.IV: Navigation
•    PA.VIII: Emergency Operations
Commercial Pilot ACS
•    CA.I.D: ADM and Risk Management
•    CA.II: Weather and Cross Country Planning
•    CA.IV: Navigation and Situational Awareness
•    CA.VIII: Emergency Operations
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Teaching Points
•    Visibility trend detection (contrast, slant range, horizon cues)
•    IMC transition drill: disconnect → pitch → power → climb
•    Obstacle database cross checking
•    Night/haze illusion countermeasures
•    Local CFIT precursors around ORL/SFB/ISM
•    Standardized escape maneuver
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Key Takeaways
•    CFIT begins with subtle visibility cues, not sudden IMC
•    A single, practiced escape maneuver saves lives
•    Automation must support—not replace—situational awareness
•    Local obstacle knowledge is essential in Central Florida
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FAA References
•    Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA H 8083 15B)
•    Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA H 8083 25C)
•    AC 61 134 (CFIT Avoidance)
•    AIM 5 5 16 (Obstacle awareness)
•    FAA CFIT Safety Page: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/cfit
•    FAA Weather Products Page: https://aviationweather.gov

Thanks to Lindsey Merced at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) for use of their Administrative Offices, to Senior FAASTeam Rep David Conrad for registration and handouts,to FAASTeam Rep and WINGSPro Eric Mason, M.D.,to FAASTeam Rep Steve Moore, to FAASTeam Rep and DRONEPro KC Sealock, to Obie Young, Florida Aviation Network, a FAASTeam Industry Member, and to John Tenney, FAASTeam Rep.