Evaluation of terrain is another important component of analyzing the flight environment. To avoid terrain and obstacles, especially at  night or in low visibility, determine safe altitudes in advance by using the altitudes shown on VFR and IFR charts during preflight  planning. Use maximum elevation figures (MEFs) and other easily obtainable data to minimize chances of an inflight collision with  terrain or obstacles.  Airport considerations include:  Airspace considerations include:  Night flying requires special consideration:  External pressures are influences external to the flight that create a sense of pressure to complete a flight—often at the expense of  safety. Factors that can be external pressures include the following:  1-6 ⦁ $_{Emotional pressure associated with acknowledging that skill and experience levels may be lower than a }$ pilot would like them to be. Pride can be a powerful external factor!  ⦁ $_{The pilot’s general goal-completion orientation. }$ ⦁ $_{The desire to satisfy a specific personal goal (“get-home-itis,” “get-there-itis,” and “let’s-go-itis"). }$ ⦁ $_{The desire to impress someone. (Probably the two most dangerous words in aviation are “Watch this!”)}$$_{ }$ ⦁ $_{The desire to demonstrate pilot qualifications. }$ ⦁ $_{A passenger the pilot does not want to disappoint. }$ ⦁ $_{Someone waiting at the airport for the flight’s arrival.}$$_{ }$ ⦁ $_{Are the aircraft lights found to be operational during preflight and is a flashlight available that is }$ appropriate for intended use before and during flight?  ⦁ $_{Will the flight conditions allow a safe emergency landing at night? }$ ⦁ $_{Will the trip include flying over water or unpopulated areas? }$ E = External Pressures  ⦁ $_{Will there be any airspace or temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) along the route of flight? }$ ⦁ $_{If the trip includes flying over water or unpopulated areas might there be a loss of visual references? }$ ⦁ $_{If the trip is over remote areas, are appropriate clothing, water, and survival gear onboard? }$ ⦁ $_{Are there shorter or obstructed fields at the destination and/or alternate airports? }$ ⦁ $_{Choose the flight route wisely. An engine failure gives the nearby airports (and terrain) supreme }$ importance.  ⦁ $_{Check the Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for closed runways or airports. Look for runway or beacon lights }$ out, nearby towers, etc.  ⦁ $_{What lights are available at the destination and alternate airports? VASI/PAPI or ILS glideslope guidance? }$ Is the terminal airport equipped with them? Are they working? Will the pilot need to use the radio to  activate the airport lights? 