For visual flight operations, what is the role of the pilot concerning traffic awareness?

In visual flight operations, maintaining visual separation from other aircraft is crucial for ensuring safety in the airspace. Pilots operate under the principle of see-and-avoid, which means they are responsible for visually identifying and avoiding other aircraft. This involves actively scanning the airspace around them to ensure safe distances are maintained.

Maintaining visual separation allows pilots to react in real-time to the presence of other aircraft, enabling them to adjust their course or altitude as necessary to avoid potential collisions. This proactive approach is essential, especially in busy airspace or during visual flight rules (VFR) operations where pilots may not have radar assistance or air traffic control guidance at all times.

While air traffic control can provide traffic advisories and information, the ultimate responsibility for separation rests with the pilot. Hence, focusing solely on navigation or depending on onboard radar systems may not adequately address the need for situational awareness and traffic avoidance in visual flight operations.