What action should you take if you become disoriented and realize you're not sure of your location?

In a situation where you become disoriented and are unsure of your location, determining your position using navigation aids is a critical and effective action. Utilizing available navigation tools can help you regain situational awareness and confirm your location relative to surrounding landmarks, navigational waypoints, or air traffic routes. This approach allows you to make informed decisions about your next steps, whether it is to proceed with your intended flight plan or communicate with air traffic control based on your newfound understanding of your position.

Engaging navigation aids can involve using visual references, onboard instruments, or onboard GPS systems to triangulate your position accurately. This proactive step aids in maintaining safety and ensures that you are acting in accordance with standard operating procedures for aviation.

While contacting ATC is an important aspect of communication in aviation, resolving your disorientation through navigation first can provide essential information to convey to air traffic control, should you decide to contact them afterward. Continuing to taxi cautiously or stopping the aircraft immediately may not address the underlying issue of disorientation and could lead to unsafe situations, especially in busy airport environments or during flight operations.