FAA Ground School Practice Test

In response to the advisory "TRAFFIC 10 OCLOCK, 2 MILES, SOUTHBOUND," where should a pilot flying on a heading of 360 degrees look for the traffic?

1. Southwest

2. Northwest

3. East

4. South

The correct answer is: Northwest

When the advisory states "TRAFFIC 10 OCLOCK, 2 MILES, SOUTHBOUND," it refers to the relative position of the traffic in relation to the pilot's current heading. In aviation terms, the "10 o'clock" position indicates that the traffic is located approximately to the left of the aircraft. Given that the pilot is flying on a heading of 360 degrees (which means they are flying directly north), the "10 o'clock" position translates to a location that is slightly west of directly north. Since the traffic is also described as "southbound," it is moving down towards the south. Therefore, the appropriate place for the pilot to look is towards the northwest, where the traffic would be approaching from the south as indicated. This reasoning aligns with visualizing the pilot's position and understanding how to interpret relative bearings in terms of their current flight direction.