NTSB Asks Pilots to 'See and Be Seen' in the Air

The agency issued a safety alert reminding pilots to look out for other aircraft and to make their presence known.

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a safety alert urging pilots to vigilantly look out for other aircraft and to make their own presence known.

According to the agency's news release, the board has investigated numerous general aviation accidents in which pilots operating near one another did not maintain adequate visual lookout and failed to see and avoid other aircraft. Investigators also noted that pilots can be distracted by technology such as cell phones, tablets, and other devices that challenge the see-and-avoid concept.

"As a pilot, your first job is to fly your own airplane," said NTSB Chairman Christopher A. Hart, who is also a pilot. "Part of that job is to scan for other airplanes. On-board traffic advisory systems are not a substitute for an outside visual scan."

The safety alert advises pilots to scan for traffic throughout their flight, clearly communicate intentions, use lights to be more conspicuous, and encourage passengers to help scan for other aircraft.

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