AIM Text
- Pilot.
- Acknowledges receipt of traffic advisories.
- Informs controller if traffic in sight.
- Advises ATC if a vector to avoid traffic is desired.
- Does not expect to receive radar traffic advisories on all traffic. Some aircraft may not appear on the radar display. Be aware that the controller may be occupied with higher priority duties and unable to issue traffic information for a variety of reasons.
- Advises controller if service is not desired.
- Controller.
- Issues radar traffic to the maximum extent consistent with higher priority duties except in Class A airspace.
- Provides vectors to assist aircraft to avoid observed traffic when requested by the pilot.
- Issues traffic information to aircraft in the Class B, Class C, and Class D surface areas for sequencing purposes.
- Controllers are required to issue traffic advisoriesto each aircraft operating on intersecting or nonintersecting converging runways where projected flight paths will cross.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-5-10.
The short answer
This advisory AIM section describes the shared pilot/controller roles for traffic advisories. Pilots acknowledge advisories, report traffic in sight, and may request a vector to avoid it; controllers issue radar traffic to the maximum extent consistent with higher-priority duties. It supports see-and-avoid responsibilities under 14 CFR 91.113.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Will ATC call out every traffic target near me?
No. The AIM advises pilots not to expect radar traffic advisories on all traffic—some aircraft may not appear on the radar display, and the controller may be occupied with higher-priority duties and unable to issue traffic information.
Can I ask ATC for a vector around traffic?
Yes. The pilot advises ATC if a vector to avoid traffic is desired, and the controller provides vectors to assist aircraft in avoiding observed traffic when requested by the pilot.
When must a controller issue traffic for converging runways?
Controllers are required to issue traffic advisories to each aircraft operating on intersecting or nonintersecting converging runways where projected flight paths will cross. Traffic is also issued in Class B, C, and D surface areas for sequencing purposes.