FAA Ground School Practice Test

For the advisory "TRAFFIC 2 OCLOCK, 5 MILES, NORTHBOUND," where should the pilot look?

1. Directly to the left

2. Directly ahead

3. Between directly ahead and 90 degrees to the right

4. To the right and behind

The correct answer is: Between directly ahead and 90 degrees to the right

When a traffic advisory specifies "2 o'clock," it refers to the position of the traffic in relation to the aircraft's heading. The terms "o'clock" are based on the 12-hour clock face, with 12 o'clock directly ahead of the aircraft and 6 o'clock directly behind. In this case, "2 o'clock" indicates a position that is slightly forward to the right from the perspective of the pilot. The advisory also states the traffic is "5 miles," which tells the pilot to look in that direction for potential conflict. As a result, the ideal location for the pilot to visually locate the traffic is in an area that lies between directly ahead (12 o'clock) and 90 degrees to the right (3 o'clock), which corresponds with option C. The pilot needs to maintain situational awareness of surrounding traffic, and understanding the clock system allows for precise communication and monitoring of nearby aircraft. This awareness is crucial for ensuring safety in the cockpit and during flight operations, particularly in busy airspace.