SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-scanning-short-stops-10-degrees

What's the best way to scan the sky for other aircraft?

Short, regularly spaced stops, focusing on one section of sky at a time.

  1. Sweep your eyes nonstop across the sky
  2. Watch only with your side vision
  3. Short stops on small sections of sky ✔

Why: Eyes only spot small, distant objects when they pause and focus. Moving your gaze in short, regular steps and pausing on each section of sky helps you actually see traffic.

Huh, didn't know that: An aircraft that shows no relative motion in your view is likely on a collision course.

The dad joke
Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees? Because they're really good at it.
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Sources

  1. Aeronautical Information Manual 8-1-6 https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html

Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.