See And Be Seen?

From time to time, someone will pop up with the idea that the time-honored practice of visual traffic separation-often known as see and be seen-is too archaic for modern aircraft. Anything that flies, so the theory goes, should have some kind of automated collision avoidance system which does exist but will solve all potential conflicts between aircraft of all sizes. Someday, perhaps, but until then most of us are stuck using see and be seen.

Monday, June 29, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Visual traffic separation, or "see and be seen," remains the essential primary method for collision avoidance in aviation, as automated systems are not a complete substitute.
The NTSB actively emphasizes the critical importance of "see and be seen," issuing safety alerts that highlight its role in preventing mid-air collisions.
Key NTSB recommendations for pilots include methodical scanning, minimizing cockpit distractions, utilizing aircraft lighting, clearly communicating intentions, and acknowledging conditions that impede visibility.

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From time to time, someone will pop up with the idea that the time-honored practice of visual traffic separation—often known as “see and be seen”—is too archaic for modern aircraft. Anything that flies, so the theory goes, should have some kind of automated collision avoidance system which does exist but will solve all potential conflicts between aircraft of all sizes. Someday, perhaps, but until then most of us are “stuck” using see and be seen.