SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-traffic-scanning

When scanning for traffic, how big should each eye movement be, per the AIM?

No more than 10 degrees, looking at each area at least 1 second.

  1. About 30 degrees, 3 seconds each
  2. No more than 10 degrees, at least 1 second each ✔
  3. One quick sweep across the whole sky

Why: Eyes see sharp detail only in a small central area. Short, regular movements of 10 degrees or less, pausing at least a second, let you actually detect other aircraft. A fast sweep misses things.

Huh, didn't know that: Pilots should move their heads to see around blind spots like door posts and wings.

The dad joke
What did the left eye say to the right eye? Between you and me, something smells.
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Sources

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

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