Maximum Elevation Figures (MEF) Figure 3-6.  The pilot can easily assess elevations at a glance by  simply comparing the intended altitude to the minimum elevation  figures (MEFs) depicted on all VFR sectional charts. The MEFs  are one of the best sources of elevation information and can be used  during both the planning and flight phases. • If the trip includes flying at night over water or  unpopulated areas with the chance of losing visual  •  Check the airspace and any temporary flight  restrictions (TFRs) along the route of flight. • If the trip includes flying over water or unpopulated  areas with the chance of losing visual reference to the  horizon, the pilot must be prepared to fly IFR. •  If the trip is over remote areas, are appropriate  clothing, water, and survival gear onboard in the event  of a forced landing? •  Check the Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) for closed  runways or airports. Look for runway or beacon lights  out, nearby towers, etc. •  Choose the flight route wisely. An engine failure gives  the nearby airports supreme importance.  •  Are there shorter or obstructed fields at the destination  and/or alternate airports? •  What lights are available at the destination and  alternate airports (e.g., visual approach slope indicator  (VASI), precision approach path indicator (PAPI)  or instrument landing system (ILS), glideslope  guidance)?  [Figure 3-7]  Is the terminal airport  equipped with them? Are they working? Will the pilot  need to use the radio to activate the airport lights? Airport Airspace Nighttime Night flying requires special consideration. Figure 3-7.  Although runways that provide plain-spoken information (as shown above) would require little interpretation, it is important  to understand and interpret runway indicators used in the aviation environment. 3-6