[thebruce87m]

I wonder how easy it is for an unfamiliar pilot to “drive” around and recognise the different features that were discussed. Seems like you are relying on someone understanding the instructions over the radio and navigating the “roads” they might be seeing for the first time. Is this super easy and hard to get wrong? Seems like even some (automated?) traffic lights would be enough to have stopped this but I know nothing about it so would be interested in hearing what it’s actually like.

[ipnon]

Pilots have a saying: “aviate, then navigate, then communicate.” Roughly this means use your own perception and assessments of the situation to keep the plane safe, then get to where you’re going, then coordinate with ATC. The Southwest pilot demonstrates the crucial nature of this method. If they had blindly followed ATC’s clearance to land there would have been a fatal collision.