Once positive identification of a checkpoint has been made, what action should be avoided?

Flying directly over the checkpoint should be avoided after positive identification has been made for several important reasons. When you fly directly over a checkpoint, you might miss useful situational awareness opportunities that arise while adjusting your flight path. This can be particularly crucial in busy airspace or near navigational points of interest.

Additionally, flying directly over a checkpoint could lead to a lack of alignment with the intended flight path, which might complicate navigation and result in unnecessary altitude or heading corrections. In certain operational contexts, this maneuver may also impede other aircraft that are using the waypoint as a reference, possibly affecting overall air traffic flow.

In contrast, performing a FENCE check, changing heading, or notifying ATC can support safe flight operations and are generally advisable post-identification of a waypoint. Each of these actions can help maintain situational awareness, ensure compliance with air traffic regulations, and facilitate effective communication with ground control.