Final Answer:
To determine if another aircraft is on a collision course with your aircraft, 3)monitoring the aircraft's heading is the most crucial factor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 3)heading of an aircraft refers to the direction in which it is pointing, measured in degrees from North in a clockwise direction. To calculate the potential for a collision, you need to compare the heading of the other aircraft with your own. If the two headings are converging, it suggests a potential collision course.
This can be assessed by subtracting the heading of the other aircraft (ψ₂) from your own heading (ψ₁). If the result is close to 180 degrees, the aircraft may be on a collision course. Mathematically, this can be expressed as Δψ = |ψ₁ - ψ₂|, and if Δψ ≈ 180°, caution is warranted.
Altitude, speed, and position are also important considerations, but they alone may not provide conclusive evidence of an impending collision. Altitude can be misleading, as aircraft at different altitudes may still be on a collision course. Similarly, speed differences can be compensated by changes in heading.
Position alone doesn't determine if two aircraft are on a collision course unless their headings are considered. Therefore, focusing on the relative heading between aircraft provides a more accurate assessment of potential collision scenarios. In summary, while altitude, speed, and position contribute to overall situational awareness, monitoring the aircraft's heading is the primary means of determining a potential collision course.