An E-field sensing system is provided to detect the presence of obstacles, including wires, power lines or trip wires, as well as towers, guy wires, buildings and elevated terrain, in which a variation or tilt of the iso-potential electrostatic field adjacent the obstacle is detected. In one embodiment the bearing to the obstacle is ascertained. The result is the detection of power lines from as far away as at least 1,000 feet and unpowered wires from as far away as at least 100 feet, thus reducing pilot anxiety for low level missions as well as providing for wire strike avoidance.