Inside Out or Outside In? What Kind of Pilot Should You Be?

Use all of your tools to spot nearby traffic.

Amy Laboda

Wednesday, February 02, 2022 at 11:48 AM ET

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[Photo: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

A recent poll revealed that 65% of pilots rely solely on visual scanning for traffic avoidance in the traffic pattern, neglecting modern onboard equipment like ADS-B/FIS-B.
The author emphasizes the critical importance of leveraging all available tools—both external visual scanning and internal cockpit displays—to enhance safety and prevent midair collisions in congested airspace.
Effective pilot technique requires a balanced "inside-out/outside-in" approach, integrating instrument references with external visual cues throughout all flight phases for optimal safety and performance.

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Perusing the internet, as I often do with my first—OK, maybe second—cup of coffee in the morning, I came across a Q&A poll on a website that stopped me cold. It asked: When flying in the airport traffic pattern, do you use onboard equipment to locate other aircraft?

The poll showed that of pilots who answered the question, 34 percent (more than 2,100 individuals) answered yes. This was in contrast to the 65 percent (more than 4,000) who said no, they only scan visually in the pattern.