What does the acronym 'CFIT' stand for?

The acronym 'CFIT' stands for Controlled Flight Into Terrain. This term is used in aviation to describe a situation where an aircraft, under the control of the pilots, inadvertently flies into the ground, a mountain, or other terrain. Despite having control of the aircraft, the pilots may not be adequately aware of their altitude or terrain proximity, often due to poor visibility, lack of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Understanding CFIT is crucial for pilots as it highlights the importance of maintaining situational awareness and using available instrumentation to ensure safe navigation. Training and procedures, such as the use of appropriate altimeters, adherence to flight planning, and continuous monitoring of terrain awareness, are essential in preventing such incidents.