How does situational awareness contribute to flight safety?

Situational awareness is a fundamental aspect of flight safety because it enables pilots to perceive and comprehend the full scope of their operational environment. This includes being aware of their own aircraft's position, system performance, and the behavior of other aircraft and potential hazards in the vicinity. By actively assessing these elements, pilots can make more informed decisions, anticipate changes in the flight environment, and respond accordingly to mitigate risks.

In other contexts, while elements such as navigation with GPS, stress management, or altitude determination might also support safety, they do not directly capture the essence of situational awareness as it pertains to an overall understanding and assessment of one's surroundings. Thus, the ability to maintain situational awareness is paramount in ensuring that pilots can operate safely and efficiently in a dynamic and often complex aviation environment.