Don't Fly Too Low

This striking WWII-era safety poster delivers its message through clean, immediate symbolism. A single red star is lodged in the jagged tip of a pine tree, vividly marking the danger of flying too low. The stark contrast of bright green branches against a rich purple background creates visual tension, while the sharp angle of the tree’s peak reinforces the hazard. The bold red, black, and white typography commands attention: “Don't Fly Too Low” Part of a wartime safety campaign by the Directorate of Air Traffic and Safety and the Directorate of Safety Education, this poster was designed for maximum legibility and impact. The target audience — young military pilots in training — would instantly grasp the consequence: low altitude can mean instant disaster in unfamiliar terrain. The image draws on mid-century modernist poster design trends, with flat planes of color, minimal detail, and bold asymmetry. It reflects a shift in visual strategy — moving away from narrative to symbol-based wa