Which term describes maintaining visual contact with the terrain in low visibility, leading to unsafe flight decisions?

• A. Scud running
• B. Glide path tracking
• C. Terrain hugging
• D. Cloud surfing

Answer: (A)

Maintaining visual contact with the terrain in low visibility is scud running. This describes the unsafe habit of trying to see the ground and follow terrain features or landmarks when sight is poor (fog, haze, or low clouds). Because the sky is obscured, you lose reliable altitude and distance cues, so you can underestimate how low you are and misjudge your approach to hills, trees, or obstacles. The result is a higher risk of collision or controlled flight into terrain, since you’re relying on imperfect ground cues instead of instruments and safe altitude margins. The safer approach in low visibility is to prioritize instruments and maintain a safe altitude and course until visibility improves or you can reach a better atmosphere.