What does CFIT stand for in aviation terminology?

CFIT stands for Controlled Flight Into Terrain, which is a significant safety concern in aviation. This term describes an incident where an aircraft, under the control of the pilot, inadvertently flies into the ground, a body of water, or an obstacle.

Understanding CFIT is crucial for pilots because it emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and effective use of navigational aids. Typically, these incidents occur during descent, often in bad weather or when the pilot is distracted or misjudges the aircraft’s altitude, leading to devastating outcomes even when the flight is otherwise normal.

This term highlights the importance of taking proactive measures, such as thorough flight planning, maintaining awareness of terrain in the flight path, and using technology like terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) to prevent such scenarios. Being aware of CFIT helps pilots adopt safety practices that can minimize the risks associated with this type of accident.