Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance

Question 1

What effect does haze have on the ability to see traffic or terrain features during flight?

Answer 1

All traffic or terrain features appear to be further away than their actual distance.

Question 2

How do you make use of peripheral vision to scan for traffic?

Answer 2

Each time the scan is stopped and the eyes are refocused, peripheral vision can sense apparent motion.

Question 3

How do you scan for traffic?

Answer 3

Focus on each 10º across the horizon for 1 to 2 seconds.

Question 4

What are some ways to avoid in-flight collisions?

Answer 4

Be on high alert within 10 miles of the airport where most accidents occur.

Maintain situational awareness of all the traffic operating in the area by listening to radio calls.

Clear the straight-in final approach before turning base to final

Fly a standard traffic pattern at an appropriate speed. Don’t descend into the traffic pattern.

Keep the landing light on below 10k feet or within 10 miles of an airport