ASOG Focus Area | Aviation Safety
Source | ASOG Safety Center
In aviation, situational awareness is paramount for safety. While the pilot is responsible for operating the aircraft, airborne sensor operators and non-rated aircrew members also play a crucial role in maintaining situational awareness, especially in scanning for air traffic.
For ASOs and non-rated aircrew members, understanding the importance of scanning for air traffic, knowing their roles, and mastering the proper techniques are essential to the job. Their contributions not only increase overall situational awareness but also enhance the safety of the flight. In this article, we will delve into the importance of scanning for air traffic, the roles and responsibilities of ASOs and non-rated aircrew members, and offer best practices for effective air traffic scanning.
Importance of Scanning for Air Traffic
Preventing Collisions
The primary reason for scanning for air traffic is to prevent mid-air collisions. Airborne sensor operators (ASOs) and non-rated aircrew members extend the cockpit's eyes and ears. Even with advanced technology like Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) and ADS-B, there is no substitute for vigilant human scanning. Visual detection is often the quickest way to spot small, fast-moving aircraft that might not appear on electronic systems until they're much closer.
Maintaining Separation
Maintaining visual separation is essential in many airspaces, particularly uncontrolled or busy airspace. While pilots are actively flying the aircraft, ASOs and other aircrew can assist by identifying traffic in the vicinity, allowing the pilot to adjust the flight path when necessary.
Supporting Mission Success
For military and surveillance missions, ASOs and other aircrew members may also be tasked with monitoring and identifying potential threats or targets, which makes constant situational awareness not just a safety requirement but a mission-critical task.
Roles and Responsibilities
Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs)
ASOs are trained to operate sophisticated equipment like radar, cameras, or infrared sensors. However, their responsibilities often extend beyond their sensor suite. They are also tasked with visual scanning to enhance safety. ASOs provide an extra set of eyes in the cockpit, supplementing the pilot's workload by identifying nearby air traffic or other obstacles in the airspace.
Non-Rated Aircrew Members
Non-rated aircrew members, such as flight engineers, loadmasters, or mission specialists, may not have flight controls but are still essential in maintaining overall situational awareness. Depending on their position in the aircraft, these crew members often have a wider field of view. They can offer early detection of other aircraft, especially during high-workload situations for the pilot.
Supporting the Pilot
ASOs and non-rated aircrew are responsible for informing the pilot of potential air traffic. This includes using proper communication protocols, reporting relative positions of the detected aircraft (using a clock position method), and relaying the altitude or movement direction if known. Consistent communication with the pilot ensures timely and effective decision-making.
Best Practices for Scanning Air Traffic
Effective Scanning Technique
The most common method for scanning is the "block scanning" technique. This involves dividing the visual field into smaller segments and focusing on each briefly. Instead of sweeping your eyes continuously, which can result in missing objects, the eyes are rested on a segment for a few seconds before moving to the next. Apply these steps:
- Start from left to right or vice versa, covering about 10-15° sections of the sky at a time.
- Pause for 2-3 seconds on each section before moving to the next.
- Ensure complete coverage of the area, including above and below the horizon.
Focus on Distant Objects
To improve the detection of other aircraft, ensure that your eyes focus on the proper distance. When looking outside, your eyes should be focused far away (not close-up), which helps spot objects on the horizon. This also reduces the chances of "empty field myopia," where the eyes tend to relax and focus on a closer point, causing distant objects to appear blurry or invisible.
Peripheral Vision
Use your peripheral vision to detect movement. While your central vision is excellent for identifying detail, your peripheral vision is sensitive to motion, which is crucial for spotting fast-moving aircraft. If something catches your eye in your periphery, shift your focus to investigate.
Low Visibility Conditions
In low visibility, such as in clouds, haze, or dusk, relying more on frequent scanning and sensor data is essential. Aircraft may be more problematic to spot visually, so a more aggressive scan pattern may be necessary to maintain situational awareness. Extra vigilance in monitoring TCAS, radar, and other electronic systems is equally important in these conditions.
Use of Technology
Although the human eye is an essential tool for scanning, utilizing technology such as FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) systems, radar, and other sensors can be equally important. Airborne sensor operators should constantly scan their equipment for any signs of approaching aircraft or obstacles that might not be visible to the naked eye.
Effective Communication
If traffic is spotted, notify the pilot using the clock position system (e.g., "Traffic at 2 o'clock, level, 5 miles"). Be specific and concise. This allows the pilot to make quick decisions based on the information provided.
Adapting Scanning to the Phase of Flight
Different phases of flight require varying levels of scanning vigilance:
- Climb and Descent - These are high-workload phases where aircraft are closer together in the vertical plane, making scanning critical.
- Cruise - Although there may be more separation at cruising altitude, constant scanning is required, mainly when operating in busy airways or near traffic corridors.
- Terminal Operations - In terminal areas, close aircraft monitoring and constant communication with the pilot is essential, as aircraft often operate at different speeds and altitudes.
Conclusion
Scanning for air traffic from the cockpit is not solely the pilot's responsibility. Airborne sensor operators and non-rated aircrew members are essential in maintaining situational awareness and preventing collisions. By employing effective scanning techniques, using peripheral vision, communicating promptly with the pilot, and integrating sensor data, these crew members contribute significantly to flight safety and mission success. As the last line of defense against mid-air collisions, disciplined visual scanning remains one of the most essential duties for everyone in the cockpit.
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