Definition
A staffed observation post on the ground used at a Controlled Firing Area (CFA) to watch for approaching aircraft. When an aircraft is sighted, the lookout signals the firing activity to stop so the airspace is clear before any hazardous operation continues.
Plain English
A person stationed on the ground whose job is to watch the sky for aircraft and call a halt to dangerous activities below if any aircraft come near.
Context Anchor
Seen in controlled firing area discussions, where hazardous activity is allowed only while observers can stop it quickly if an aircraft approaches.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding this helps pilots know why CFAs can be activated without NOTAMs—the lookout provides real-time safety confirmation.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a place where a pilot looks at the ground. Here, it means a ground-based watch point used to look for aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
The Controlled Firing Area relies on a ground lookout position to suspend operations whenever an aircraft is spotted nearby.
Example Sentence 2
Aircraft operating near a CFA should understand that activation depends on the ground lookout position verifying no traffic.