FAA Ground School Practice Test

How can a pilot determine if another aircraft is on a collision course?

1. There will be no apparent relative motion between the two aircraft

2. The other aircraft will appear to be climbing

3. The other aircraft will have blinking lights

4. The other aircraft will always be at the same altitude

The correct answer is: There will be no apparent relative motion between the two aircraft

A pilot can determine if another aircraft is on a collision course by observing that there will be no apparent relative motion between the two aircraft. This means that if both aircraft are on a direct path toward each other, they will appear to be moving in a straight line toward one another without changing their relative positions in the pilot's field of vision. This lack of relative motion signifies that the two aircraft are converging at the same rate and are, therefore, on a potential collision course. Understanding the dynamics of approaching aircraft is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safe separation. Features such as altitude changes or changes in the appearance of lights, while important for overall situational awareness, do not specifically indicate a direct collision course as effectively as observing the relative motion.