Precautions for intentional low flying
Intentional low flying (deliberately close to the ground) is high-risk, especially for weather avoidance (TC AIM AIR 2.4). Three precautions apply beyond the legal altitude floors and speed ceilings covered elsewhere.
| Precaution | Rule | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Supervision | Practise only with a flight instructor on board. Height and area suitability governed by local restrictions and CARs. | TP 1102 Ex. 20 |
| Speed technique | Good visibility: normal cruising speed OK below normal operating altitudes. Reduced visibility near ground: reduce speed (advisable). Near power lines: reduce speed in lower visibilities. | TP 1102 Ex. 20; TC AIM AIR 2.4.3(e) |
| Flap setting | Reduced visibility near ground: extend flap partially and reduce speed (benefits below). | none given |
| Pre-flight preparation | Know purpose and legality. Prepare: terrain, obstacles on flight path, weather, aircraft performance, appropriate charts. | TC AIM AIR 2.4 |
Partial flap benefits:
- Lowers operating speed.
- Tightens turn radius for obstacle avoidance.
- Better view from lower nose attitude.
- Extra power needed adds slipstream over elevators and rudder: better control.
Legal floors: minimum-altitude (CAR 602.14). Speeds: low-level-speed (CAR 602.32).
Trap: good visibility and normal cruising speed are not a green light alone; supervision, speed technique, and pre-flight preparation are separate precautions, none a legal altitude minimum.
References
- TP 1102 (Flight Training Manual), Ex. 20
- TC AIM AIR 2.4