The “Where Am I?” Mistake You Can Avoid

Oct 20, 2025

Every helicopter pilot remembers that moment — you look down at your GPS, glance up, and suddenly realize… you’re not where you thought you were.
Your compass is spinning, the ground reference doesn’t match, and for a split second, you’re disoriented.

That’s not just a “rookie” mistake. It’s something even rated pilots face — and in Kenny Keller’s 30 Check-Rides, 30 Lessons series, this issue has become a recurring theme: pilots losing situational awareness during a check-ride because they stop trusting their most reliable instrument — the compass.


Spatial Disorientation Happens Fast

Spatial disorientation doesn’t always mean clouds or IFR conditions. It can happen on a blue-sky day when you’re flying back to the airport, turn 180°, and your internal compass fails you.
During check-rides, Kenny has seen applicants confidently tell an examiner they’re heading toward the airport — when in reality, they’re flying away from it.

It’s not about poor navigation skills. It’s about letting automation and the iPad take over what used to be a pilot’s strongest instinct — situational awareness. When that iPad freezes, the pilot freezes too.

The truth? Every pilot needs to build the habit of mentally staying ahead of the helicopter. Look outside. Check the heading. Visualize the route before the screen tells you.


The Compass Doesn’t Lie

The old-school magnetic compass remains one of the most underrated, underused instruments in the cockpit. It doesn’t depend on batteries, Wi-Fi, or software updates.
Yet, too many pilots forget to cross-check it, especially when disoriented.

Kenny’s advice is simple: trust your compass, not your gut.
During training flights, he’s seen pilots turn in the opposite direction of where they think they’re going — simply because they weren’t using the instrument that never lies.
When your internal sense of direction gets fuzzy, your compass won’t fail you — but only if you’re looking at it.


Radio Confidence and Recovery

So what happens if you do get lost?
That’s where radio confidence comes in. One of the biggest differences between a safe pilot and a panicked one is how they handle communication when things go sideways.

The solution isn’t to hide the mistake — it’s to own it and fix it. Call ATC or CTAF. Use clear communication to re-establish position and re-enter the pattern safely. Examiners actually appreciate when pilots stay calm, communicate clearly, and use proper procedures to recover.

That’s what Kenny emphasizes in this lesson — disorientation isn’t an automatic failure. It’s a learning opportunity, and your ability to correct it tells the examiner everything they need to know about your professionalism and training.



Final Thoughts

The next time you’re flying cross-country or prepping for your check-ride, remember this:
If you hear that little voice in your head asking “Where am I?” — don’t panic.
Look at your compass. Reorient. Communicate.
That small moment of awareness might be what saves your ride… or your life.
🚁 Learn more about the H.O.G.S. Final Approach Course: https://www.FinalApproachCourse.com
🧠 Got a question 24/7? Visit AskHogs.com — Kenny’s personal AI clone trained on 28 years of helicopter knowledge.