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Military pilots have a question they always keep in mind...
"What's my S.A.?" |
S.A. stands for Situation Awareness and good pilots are continually
thinking about it. They're aware that it constantly changes, and they are
prepared for the scenarios that alternate situations may present.
© 2002 Reuben Johnson |
| Though you needn't think about S.A. with the same vigor as
a pilot, you should be at least somewhat aware of your circumstances --
especially if you're a
crew leader. For example,
although the road in the valley (next to the river in the adjacent photo) is only a
short distance away it could take hours to reach. Factors include:
steepness of the slopes, obstacles (cliffs) relative to your path,
thickness of undergrowth, location of the bridge needed to cross the
river, the amount of daylight left, weather conditions, and existing ice
conditions. |
Having Good S.A. Includes Awareness of:
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The time of day (How many
hours of light are there?)
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The relative
remoteness of your location (highway road cut, Alaskan wilderness,
abandoned mine, etc.)
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The type of terrain
(traveling over sand dunes is slower than walking along a railroad
spur.)
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The topographic relief.
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The
current weather.
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The
pending weather.
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The amount of work left to
complete.
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Threats to the wellbeing of you and
your crew (man-made,
animals, plants, falling off a cliff, etc.)
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The location of
your field
crew and/or partner relative to you.
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The NUMBER of people on
your crew. (VERY important!)
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The location of your
vehicle or camp relative to you.
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Equipment and consumables
readily at hand (water,
radios,
first-aid kit, signaling devices, etc.)
-
Your (and
your crew's) skill level and experience as they pertain to all of
the above.
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