AIM DECODED

4-4-15. Use of Visual Clearing Procedures and Scanning Techniques

By Chris Palmer, 2x Master Aviation Educator · Gold Seal CFI · Updated May 21, 2026

AIM 4-4-15 All of Chapter 4 →

AIM Text

  1. Before Takeoff. Prior to taxiing onto a runway or landing area in preparation for takeoff, pilots should scan the approach areas for possible landing traffic and execute the appropriate clearing maneuvers to provide them a clear view of the approach areas.
  2. Climbs and Descents. During climbs and descents in flight conditions which permit visual detection of other traffic, pilots should execute gentle banks, left and right at a frequency which permits continuous visual scanning of the airspace about them.
  3. Straight and Level. Sustained periods of straight and level flight in conditions which permit visual detection of other traffic should be broken at intervals with appropriate clearing procedures to provide effective visual scanning.
  4. Traffic Pattern. Entries into traffic patterns while descending create specific collision hazards and should be avoided.
  5. Traffic at VOR Sites. All operators should emphasize the need for sustained vigilance in the vicinity of VORs and airway intersections due to the convergence of traffic.
  6. Training Operations. Operators of pilot training programs are urged to adopt the following practices:
    1. Pilots undergoing flight instruction at all levels should be requested to verbalize clearing procedures (call out “clear” left, right, above, or below) to instill and sustain the habit of vigilance during maneuvering.
    2. High-wing airplane. Momentarily raise the wing in the direction of the intended turn and look.
    3. Low-wing airplane.Momentarily lower the wing in the direction of the intended turn and look.
    4. Appropriate clearing procedures should precede the execution of all turns including chandelles, lazy eights, stalls, slow flight, climbs, straight and level, spins, and other combination maneuvers.
  7. Scanning Techniques for Traffic Avoidance.
    1. Pilots must be aware of the limitations inherent in the visual scanning process. These limitations may include:
      1. Reduced scan frequency due to concentration on flight instruments or tablets and distraction with passengers.
      2. Blind spots related to high-wing and low-wing aircraft in addition to windshield posts and sun visors.
      3. Prevailing weather conditions including reduced visibility and the position of the sun.
      4. The attitude of the aircraft will create additional blind spots.
      5. The physical limitations of the human eye, including the time required to (re)focus on near and far objects, from the instruments to the horizon for example; empty field myopia, narrow field of vision and atmospheric lighting all affect our ability to detect another aircraft.
    2. Best practices to see and avoid:
      1. ADS-B In is an effective system to help pilots see and avoid other aircraft. If your aircraft is equipped with ADS-B In, it is important to understand its features and how to use it properly. Many units provide visual and/or audio alerts to supplement the system's traffic display. Pilots should incorporate the traffic display in their normal traffic scan to provide awareness of nearby aircraft. Prior to entering or crossing any runway, ADS-B In can provide advance indication of arriving aircraft and aircraft in the traffic pattern. Systems that incorporate a traffic-alerting feature can help minimize the pilot's inclination to fixate on the display. Refer to 4-5-7e, ADS-B Limitations.
      2. Understand the limitations of ADS-B In. In certain airspace, not all aircraft will be equipped with ADS-B Out or transponders and will not be visible on your ADS-B In display.
      3. Limit the amount of time that you focus on flight instruments or tablets.
      4. Develop a strategic approach to scanning for traffic. Scan the entire sky and try not to focus straight ahead.

Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-4-15.

Research Notes

AIM 4-4-15 covers use of Visual Clearing Procedures — how pilots use visual scanning to avoid collisions.

The see-and-avoid principle: Per § 91.113(a), every pilot has the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft when weather conditions permit. This responsibility is NEVER transferred to ATC, even when ATC is providing separation services.

Effective scanning technique:

  • 10-degree segments: Sweep your eyes across the windscreen in 10-degree increments, pausing 1-2 seconds in each segment to focus. Continuous sweeping isn't as effective as discrete checks.
  • Saccadic eye movement: The eye only resolves detail when stationary. Moving the eyes too quickly misses targets.
  • Focal length: Outside the cockpit at near-infinity. Looking inside (charts, instruments) requires re-accommodation to see outside.
  • Bug recognition: An approaching aircraft on a collision course doesn't appear to move laterally — it just grows larger. This is the highest-risk traffic situation.

Blind spots: Every aircraft has them — directly behind, around the door frames, under the nose. A high-wing aircraft has limited downward visibility; a low-wing has limited upward visibility. Plan turns and changes accordingly.

Clearing turns: Before any sustained turn or maneuver, look in the direction of the turn for 5-10 seconds. Watch for traffic before committing. This is especially important in the traffic pattern.

Reference: § 91.113 (right-of-way); FAA-H-8083-25 (PHAK) Chapter 5; AIM 4-4-15.

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