Aeronautical Information Manual
AIM 5-5-8
See and Avoid
This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.
Pilot. When meteorological conditions permit, regardless of type of flight plan or whether or not under control of a radar facility, the pilot is responsible to see and avoid other traffic, terrain, or obstacles.
Controller. Provides radar traffic information to radar identified aircraft operating outside positive control airspace on a workload permitting basis.
Issues safety alerts to aircraft under their control if aware the aircraft is at an altitude believed to place the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft.
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 20, 2026.