During a visual navigation sortie, what is an important consideration for flight planning?

Evaluating terrain and obstacles is a crucial consideration during flight planning for visual navigation sorties. This is because pilots flying visually must be aware of the environment and specific geographic features that can impact their flight safety and navigation. Understanding terrain features such as mountains, valleys, and urban areas can help pilots avoid hazards and ensure they have a clear and safe routing. Additionally, being aware of obstacles like towers, buildings, and natural formations is essential for maintaining a safe altitude and ensuring successful navigation.

While other options may have merits, they do not encompass the comprehensive safety and planning needs associated with visual navigation. For instance, maintaining flight under cloud cover might not be relevant if the sortie is visual in nature, where clear visibility is essential. Choosing direct flight paths over longer routes could save time but might not consider safety aspects like terrain. Finally, focusing solely on fuel economy may lead to neglecting the necessary evaluations of environmental features critical for safety during flight. Thus, the evaluation of terrain and obstacles is paramount for successful and safe visual navigation.