Flight Traffic Displays

Marginally effective, see-and-avoid is based on the big sky theory; the sky is big and airplanes are small so the chances of running into each other are minimal. Our vision limitations in an airplane combined with massive blind spots foreshadow disaster. In 2014, pilots reported 163 near mid-air collisions. Most involved GA. Who knows how many occurred without either pilot realizing?

jmiller

Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The traditional "see-and-avoid" method for preventing mid-air collisions is critically insufficient and dangerous, evidenced by historical accidents and frequent near-misses, yet remains a primary regulation.
Technological innovations, especially with ADS-B and other systems like TCAS, TAS, TIS, and TIS-B, are making traffic information increasingly accessible to pilots, moving beyond costly historical solutions.
Pilots must understand the specific functionalities, display symbology, and limitations of these diverse traffic systems, as they are supplementary tools; the ultimate responsibility for "see-and-avoid" and coordination with ATC (except for TCAS II Resolution Advisories) still rests with the pilot.

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Mid-air collision possibilities frighten every pilot and have shaped aviation. The first occurred in 1910. In 1956, United 718 and TWA 2 collided over the Grand Canyon. The accident “led directly to legislation creating the Federal Aviation Agency,” according to the FAA.