IFR/VFR Separation

Regulations prevent collisions through right-of-way rules. These codified decencies apply to the road, sea and air. For aviation, 14 CFR 91.113 warns that regardless of whether an operation is conducted under instrument flight rules or visual flight rules, vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft. Sage advice, that, especially with our butts in the hot seat.

jmiller

Tuesday, May 02, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Current air traffic control systems and "see and avoid" regulations still result in significant mid-air and near mid-air collision risks, especially between IFR and VFR aircraft.
A key vulnerability lies in "pilot-applied visual separation," which places an unrealistic responsibility on pilots who may lack sufficient information, aircraft performance, or mental capacity to safely maintain separation.
Varying levels of separation services across different airspace classes, along with modern factors like GPS precision and VFR pilots closely skirting controlled airspace, contribute to increased collision potential.
Mitigating these risks requires re-evaluating visual separation rules (e.g., requiring three-party agreement and adequate aircraft performance), enhancing traffic awareness technology, and operating strategically within more controlled airspace.

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Leaving a busy Class B, I checked-in with Departure leveling 4000 feet and received, “climb and maintain 8000. VFR traffic, a helicopter, twelve o-clock at 5500, has you in sight.” I thought, “Whiskey, tango, foxtrot: hello midair.”

Regulations prevent collisions through right-of-way rules. These codified decencies apply to the road, sea and air. For aviation, 14 CFR 91.113 warns that “regardless of whether an operation is conducted under instrument flight rules or visual flight rules, vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft.” Sage advice, that, especially with our butts in the hot seat.