AIM DECODED

5-5-7. Safety Alert

AIM Text

  1. Pilot.
    1. Initiates appropriate action if a safety alert is received from ATC.
    2. Be aware that this service is not always available and that many factors affect the ability of the controller to be aware of a situation in which unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or another aircraft may be developing.
  2. Controller.
    1. Issues a safety alert if aware an aircraft under their control is at an altitude which, in the controller's judgment, places the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions or another aircraft. Types of safety alerts are:
      1. Terrain or Obstruction Alert.Immediately issued to an aircraft under their control if aware the aircraft is at an altitude believed to place the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain or obstructions.
      2. Aircraft Conflict Alert.Immediately issued to an aircraft under their control if aware of an aircraft not under their control at an altitude believed to place the aircraft in unsafe proximity to each other. With the alert, they offer the pilot an alternative, if feasible.
    2. Discontinue further alerts if informed by the pilot action is being taken to correct the situation or that the other aircraft is in sight.

5-5-8. See and Avoid

  1. Pilot. When meteorological conditions permit, regardless of type of flight plan or whether or not under control of a radar facility, the pilot is responsible to see and avoid other traffic, terrain, or obstacles.
  2. Controller.
    1. Provides radar traffic information to radar identified aircraft operating outside positive control airspace on a workload permitting basis.
    2. Issues safety alerts to aircraft under their control if aware the aircraft is at an altitude believed to place the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft.

Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-5-7.

Research Notes

AIM 5-5-7 covers Instrument Approach Use of Radar — when ATC uses radar to assist with approach navigation.

Radar-assisted approach:

  • Radar vectors to final: ATC vectors the aircraft onto the approach course before handing off to the pilot's own navigation
  • Radar-monitored approach: ATC monitors the approach via radar and provides advisories if the aircraft deviates
  • Radar-distance information: ATC provides distance to airport/runway on request

Pilot's responsibility: ATC radar vectors don't relieve the pilot of responsibility for navigating the approach. Once cleared for the approach, the pilot is responsible for flying the published procedure including all altitude and course restrictions.

Reference: AIM 5-5-7; AIM 4-1 (Services Available to Pilots).