Aviation Situational Awareness - Turning Data Into Information

Every pilot knows about Situational Awareness (SA) and its importance to safe flight. But do all pilots think of SA in the same way? It appears there are variances beyond the basic understanding we are all taught. This narrowly focused definition ends up limiting a pilot's capabilities early on in the aviation journey. The end result is getting our SA to the next level is unnecessarily delayed until it is learned through long-term experience. By emphasizing use of a much wider set of data points, we have an opportunity to accelerate our growth in this space.
Interested in your feedback as to the effectiveness of using examples like the one found here to expose all pilots to a broader set of data points that should be incorporated into our brain's view of the world around us. The result of this greater focus will be higher levels of SA and safer flight.
Blue Skies and Tailwinds!

[@thomasficho8890]

Marc , I always told you you would be a great teacher, and I really do enjoy your videos even if I’m not flying anymore. Tom.

[@pfflying6275]

As always, you're very kind to say that. Love this stuff.

[@andrewthome77]

Thank you for posting these Mark. I can definitely relate at this time in my Pilot life (only 270 Hrs) that my situational awareness was not there when I was an early pilot. Things didn't make sense as much as they do now because I just didn't have the relatable information I do today. I'm still very far in the early stages but gaining the experience helps more each time.
Had what I believe was a student pilot in the patter one day as I was coming in from 10 mi away. Both of us announced positions properly as we navigated the airspace. But, I don' think the other pilot understood my position relative to what they were doing as they took off an entered back into the pattern just as I was coming into the mid-downwind. I could envision where they were doing their practices because I had been listening in for awhile so I just peeled off and did a 360 to swing back in behind them. Couldn't see them for the life of me because, well you know, finding another airplane in the sky even though you can see it with ADS-B and know it's out there is very challenging to actually see. But, had I been back in my early pilot days I may have not had that same awareness / spacial orientation.
Thanks for sharing!

[@pfflying6275]

Experience is the key, but understanding the expanded view of what SA is helps the brain to start "listening" to all the data points out there. Your example shows that you "get it" and I think you'll find an accelerated growth in this space and at the same time, will train your brain to start creating those moving maps in your head. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@padknight8775]

As an aspiring student pilot, I found this very informative and educational. Thank you very much. I think more of this type of content would be quite beneficial.

[@pfflying6275]

Pat, I appreciate your feedback and kind words. Love that you are an aspiring student pilot. Does your training start soon? Is there anything the rest of us can do to assist you in moving forward. Let us know.

[@MarkHeckler]

Excellent video as always, and I definitely appreciate these mental challenges. Please keep them coming!

[@pfflying6275]

Thanks for your feedback. I have a part two coming soon.

[@Mikinct]

After watching other aviation videos, there's another option is to not simply make generic Callouts BUT actually Communicate with those pilots around your airport. Don't assume, but verify. State you'll be doing a 360 or extend downwind to avoid potential conflicts & get other pilots to comprehend & agree verbally to get away from simple Ronotic non thinking modes of flight.😊

[@tinstarshootingrange66]

Love it. Great breakdown!!

[@pfflying6275]

Appreciate it! I wasn't sure if I articulated it in an understandable fashion.

[@makenabuilt]

Please keep it up. Really great insight and situations/topics. As an "always learning" pilot I'm super appreciate.

[@pfflying6275]

Thanks for your comment. My plane is in annual (waiting for parts). Tough to make videos right now. Are there specific topics you want (like Situational Awareness) or are there others. I was thinking of making a pinch hitter video, but sensing maybe the Situational Awareness is something that isn't found to the level I want to take it. People like you are who I'm trying to help. Thanks for being part of the community.

[@pfflying6275]

By the way, check out part two to Situational Awareness, found here. th-cam.com/video/W30KaFyPCzg/w-d-xo.html

[@ProPilotPete]

My latest video is similar in that I anticipated the aircraft in front of me not canceling his ifr in time for me to continue my approach. I got a cancel approach clearance. You really should get your CFI and teach. You’d be a great instructor!

[@pfflying6275]

Thanks. I do like to mentor, coach, and enable in all aspects of life (if I can add value). Your example is exactly what SA is all about. Going from that perception to understanding and being able to project. Perfect.