FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is "scud running" often referred to in aviation?

1. Maintaining altitude with instruments

2. Flying under visual flight rules

3. Pushing capabilities in low visibility

4. Avoiding use of instruments

The correct answer is: Pushing capabilities in low visibility

"Scud running" refers to flying close to the ground in low visibility conditions, often just above terrain or obstacles while trying to remain in visual reference to the ground. This maneuver is typically done to navigate through clouds or fog, where pilots may rely on visual cues to avoid obstacles. Choosing this method can be risky because pilots may be pushing the limits of their aircraft's performance and their own flying capabilities in challenging weather conditions. This practice can lead to disorientation or encountering unexpected obstacles, hence understanding the implications of low visibility flying is crucial for safety. Other options do not accurately reflect the essence of scud running. Maintaining altitude with instruments would imply a reliance on instruments for navigation, which contradicts the low visibility context of scud running. Flying under visual flight rules generally requires adequate visibility, which does not align with the conditions of scud running. Finally, avoiding the use of instruments could describe a reckless flying practice rather than the specific act of maneuvering in low visibility while potentially still using visual cues.