Aviation Glossary - See-and-avoid

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See-and-avoid

A means employed by ATC to separate aircraft in terminal areas and en route airspace in the NAS. There are two ways to effect this separation:

The tower controller sees the aircraft involved and issues instructions, as necessary, to ensure that the aircraft avoid each other.
A pilot sees the other aircraft involved and upon instructions from the controller provides his/her own separation by maneuvering his/her aircraft as necessary to avoid it. This may involve following another aircraft or keeping it in sight until it is no longer a factor.

source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary

When weather conditions permit, pilots operating IFR or VFR are required to observe and maneuver to avoid other aircraft. Right-of-way rules are contained in 14 CFR part 91.

source: FAA Weight Shift Control Handbook (FAA-H-8083-5)

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