Part 3: Sequencing and Traffic Information

Traffic Information and Visual Contact

Borton Tower · F-ABCD

ATC F-ABCD, traffic ahead of you, Cessna on left base, three miles away, descending through one thousand two hundred feet.

PILOT: Looking out, F-ABCD. [brief pause as pilot searches]

PILOT: F-ABCD, traffic in sight, Cherokee on left base.

ATC: F-ABCD, ROGER. Number two, continue approach, runway zero-six cleared to land.

PILOT: Runway zero-six cleared to land, F-ABCD.

Note: the pilot first responded "Looking out" to confirm receipt and understanding that they should locate the traffic. After seeing it, they reported "traffic in sight." If they had not seen the traffic, they would have said "negative contact" and asked for a different approach.

Negative Contact

Borton Tower · D-EGHI

ATC D-EGHI, traffic on the approach, Beechcraft two miles ahead, descending through one thousand five hundred feet.

PILOT: Looking out, D-EGHI. [brief pause]

PILOT: D-EGHI, negative contact, request vectors.

ATC: D-EGHI, ROGER. Turn left heading two-six-zero, descend to one thousand feet, continue descent.

PILOT: Left two-six-zero, one thousand feet, D-EGHI.

This is the correct response when you cannot spot the other aircraft. ATC will vector you away or adjust your approach to ensure separation.