UA.V.A.K3: Recommended traffic advisory procedures used by manned aircraft pilots such as self-announcing of

ACS Area V — Operations Task A: Radio Communications Procedures References: ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; AIMAeronautical Information ManualCloseFAA operational guidance and glossary material used to understand aviation procedures and terminology.; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

What a “Traffic Advisory” Is and How It’s Given

• Traffic advisories are alerts issued to draw a pilot’s attention to other aircraft that may be close to their current position or intended route. Advisories can be based on visual observation, radar (identified or non-identified targets), or verbal reports from pilots or other facilities. When issued, controllers use the word “Traffic,” followed by available details such as clock position, distance, direction of flight, and altitude; for example: “Traffic, 2 o’clock, one zero miles, southbound, eight thousand.” For a remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation., this is the manned-aviation “heads up” call you may hear on frequency near your operation or relayed by ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. when you’re operating with authorization in controlled airspace.^[1]
• Expect variability. Controllers provide traffic advisories “to the extent possible,” given workload, radar coverage, frequency congestion, and other operational limits. Importantly, receiving radar/nonradar advisories does not relieve any pilot of the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft. Do not assume you will be issued every nearby contact even if you’ve requested or are receiving advisories.^[1]
• Practical takeaway: Manned pilots often make verbal position/intent reports on shared frequencies (self-announcing). Those pilot reports are one source of traffic advisory information. As a remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation., build your scan and monitoring habits around anticipating these calls, translating clock-position/distance cues to your operation, and yielding maneuvering space early.

Systems and Phrases You May Hear

• ATC safety alert phraseology: “TRAFFIC ALERT (aircraft call sign), TURN (left/right) IMMEDIATELY, (climb/descend) AND MAINTAIN (altitude).” This signals an immediate collision-avoidance instruction to the addressed aircraft. Expect abrupt manned-aircraft maneuvers when such alerts are issued; maintain or increase separation with your sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. accordingly.^[1]
• TCAS basics: The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCASTraffic Collision Avoidance SystemCloseCrewed aircraft collision avoidance system; useful to recognize in broader traffic discussions.) is an airborne system that uses radar beacon signals and works independent of ground equipment. TCAS-ITraffic Collision Avoidance SystemCloseCrewed aircraft collision avoidance system; useful to recognize in broader traffic discussions. issues traffic advisories; TCAS-IITraffic Collision Avoidance SystemCloseCrewed aircraft collision avoidance system; useful to recognize in broader traffic discussions. issues traffic advisories and resolution advisories (vertical escape guidance). When manned aircraft respond to TCASTraffic Collision Avoidance SystemCloseCrewed aircraft collision avoidance system; useful to recognize in broader traffic discussions., they may climb/descend rapidly—another reason to give them wide berth.^[1]
• TIS-B: Traffic Information Service–Broadcast is ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services.-derived traffic information transmitted to ADS-BAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-BroadcastCloseAircraft broadcast technology. Part 107 drones generally may not use ADS-B Out unless specifically authorized. equipped aircraft (1090ES or UATUniversal Access TransceiverCloseADS-B datalink technology used by some crewed aircraft.). It is a broadcast of ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. traffic data, not a pilot-to-pilot call, and may help manned pilots build their traffic picture in your area.^[1]

Remote ID: Identification and Location Data in the Background

• While not a radio “call,” Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. is now a foundational element of how your sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. is identified and located in the NASNational Airspace SystemCloseThe shared U.S. airspace system that drones must operate within.. After September 16, 2023, no person may operate an unmanned aircraft in U.S. airspace unless the operation meets the Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. requirement via a standard Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. UA or a broadcast module, unless otherwise authorized. This applies to persons operating unmanned aircraft registered or required to be registered under parts 47 or 48, with limited exceptions in § 89.101(b). Compliance may be met by operating a standard Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. UA under § 89.110.^[4]
• A standard Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. unmanned aircraft must be capable of broadcasting: identity (serial number or session ID), control station latitude/longitude and geometric altitude, UA latitude/longitude and geometric altitude, UA velocity, a synchronized UTC time mark, and emergency status. Minimum performance includes ensuring the control station location corresponds to the person manipulating the controls and synchronization of the time mark with other elements.^[2]
• Operationally, most part 107 aircraft that are registered or required to be registered must comply with Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace.. The serial number of the standard Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. UA or the broadcast module must be listed on the Certificate of Aircraft Registration, and a module moved to another aircraft must have its serial number moved to that second aircraft’s certificate before flight. Small unmanned aircraft not otherwise required to be registered (such as those weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less) must still comply with Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. when operated under any operating part that requires registration. Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. provides location and identification data for small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. operations in the NASNational Airspace SystemCloseThe shared U.S. airspace system that drones must operate within. and enhances airspace awareness for oversight and security users.^[3]

Footnotes