Question

An ATC radar facility issues the following advisory to a pilot during a local flight: 'TRAFFIC 2 O'CLOCK, 5 MILES, NORTHBOUND...' Where should the pilot look for this traffic?

1) Between directly ahead and 90° to the left.
2) Between directly ahead and 90° to the right.
3) Between directly behind and 90° to the right.

Answer 1

The ATC advisory 'TRAFFIC 2 O'CLOCK, 5 MILES, NORTHBOUND...' means the pilot should look for the traffic between directly ahead and 90 degrees to the right of the aircraft's current position.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ATC radar advisory 'TRAFFIC 2 O'CLOCK, 5 MILES, NORTHBOUND...' advises the pilot to look for traffic between directly ahead and 90° to the right. In aviation, the 12 o'clock position refers to directly ahead of the aircraft, which would be the direction the nose of the aircraft is pointing. Thus, 2 o'clock refers to the area somewhat to the right and ahead of the aircraft's current heading. Assuming the pilot's perspective within the cockpit, the advised traffic would be found in that segment of airspace.