Traffic Recognition Notes: See and Avoid Displaying a landing light, even in daytime, dramatically improves visibility of the aircraft showing it to pilots of other aircraft. This is especially true in the critical area ahead of the aircraft and at or near the same altitude. Consequently it is common practice to show a landing light when entering an area where other air traffic is likely to be present. The compelling need is for all aircraft to see and avoid other traffic. Three main modes of flight involve different ways to recognize and stay clear of other aircraft. Regardless of these modes or other circumstances, pilots are required by Federal Aviation Regulations to see and avoid other aircraft, even if doing so requires disobeying a direction from Air Traffic Control. The Pilot In Command (PIC) is the final authority for safety of flight. Under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) the only required way to maintain separation is for each pilot to see and avoid other aircraft. Aircraft flying under VFR generally are not in radio communication with Air Traffic Control except during takeoff and landing. This condition is indicated by setting their transponder code to 1200: This shows on Web flight track displays as "Beacon 1200". The Pilot in Command has sole responsibility for separation from other traffic. In connection with this responsibility pilots are required to comply with rules in the Federal Aviation Regulations. Under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) Air Traffic Control (ATC) issues directions to the aircraft to control its course and altitude. Aircraft under IFR control use a transponder code assigned by the air traffic controller and dialed in by the pilot to uniquely identify the aircraft on radar. This also provides the controller with flight data, including the aircraft's altitude. Web flight track displays show a unique 4-digit beacon code other than 1200. The pilot and ATC effectively share responsibility for conduct of flight. Under VFR with Traffic Advisories pilots flying VFR can obtain ATC assistance in identifying other nearby traffic. The pilot contacts an ATC facility, such as Northern California Approach, to request this service.If the controller's workload permits [s]he assigns a unique transponder code to the requesting aircraft. The controller then notifies the pilot whenever ATC radar shows other aircraft that will pass near enough to the one receiving traffic advisories to make it appropriate for the pilot to be aware of the traffic's location, and (if possible) to keep it in sight. ATC does not issue instructions to the pilot, only the pilot is responsible for conduct of flight. Also, at times air traffic controllers in an airport tower ask a pilot by radio to show a landing light so that the controller can visually identify a particular aircraft, especially when several are in sight. However, this practice usually is exercised for aircraft several miles closer to the airport tower than El Dorado Hills' location relative to Mather. |