Mid-air collision avoidance

Pilot’s primer
by Donald Talleur

The following was produced by Transport Canada System Safety.

Mid-air collision avoidance takes much more than proper scanning techniques. The following guidelines are provided to assist pilots in avoiding a mid-air collision:

• The mental and physical condition of the pilot must be sound. Absentmindedness and distraction are the main enemies of concentration during flight, and conflict aircraft could easily be overlooked.

• Plan ahead to minimize the head-down time in the cockpit. Organization is the key. Have maps and frequencies handy.

• Keep cockpit windows clean and free of obstructions. Dirt on the windshield may conceal an aircraft on a collision course until it is too late to avoid.

• Adhere to proper uncontrolled aerodrome traffic procedures. Monitor appropriate radio frequencies and make radio calls at commonly known checkpoints.

• On departure from an uncontrolled aerodrome, IFR aircraft should pick-up the IER clearance before takeoff, if possible.

• Always use standard radio phraseology, and make the appropriate radio calls.

• VFR flights, or IFR fights in uncontrolled airspace, should fly the correct en route altitude for the direction of flight

• VFR flights should avoid crowded airspace, such as near a VOR. IFR flights underneath 12,500 feet should also keep a more astute lookout when traversing navigational aids.

• VFR aircraft should fly well above circuit height when overflying aerodromes.

• Avoid flying across instrument approach areas or extended runway centre lines. If unable to avoid it, be especially alert.

• Compensate for blind spots. Be aware of and check the blind spots created by aircraft structure.

• Use lights/strobes to make the aircraft more visible in high density traffic areas.

• Turn the aircraft transponder "on", even in uncontrolled airspace. Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (FCAS) alerts on commercial aircraft are a function of reading the active transponders.

• Check maps and NOTAMs for restricted or special use airspace. Do not fixate eyes on traffic, on an instrument, or on the outer space. Keep scanning and stay alert.

• Do not attempt formation flying without specialty training.

• Use all available eyes in the cockpit to help scan for traffic.

• IFR aircraft in flight below 12,500 feet exist in a VFR world. ATC may not be able to advise of VFR traffic.

• IFR pilots cleared for a visual approach should make an extra effort to ensure that they arc properly sequenced and follow the correct aircraft, especially at night.

Remember! Stay alert!