ATC Safety Alerts

AIM ¶ 5-5-7 — ATC Safety Alerts

AIM 5-5-7 explains ATC safety alerts: terrain/obstruction warnings and aircraft conflict alerts, plus pilot responsibilities. Study guide for checkride prep.

In Plain English

AIM 5-5-7 covers safety alerts issued by ATC when a controller believes an aircraft under their control is in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or another aircraft. There are two types:

Terrain or Obstruction Alert — issued immediately when ATC believes your altitude puts you too close to terrain or an obstruction.
Aircraft Conflict Alert — issued when another aircraft (not under that controller's control) appears to be in unsafe proximity. ATC will offer an alternative course of action if feasible.

As the pilot, you must take appropriate action when you receive a safety alert. Just as important: understand this service is not guaranteed. Many factors — radar coverage, workload, equipment limits, the other aircraft not being on frequency — can prevent a controller from seeing the conflict developing. You remain responsible for see-and-avoid and terrain awareness.

If you're already correcting the situation or have the traffic in sight, tell ATC and they'll discontinue further alerts. This is an advisory service, not a regulatory replacement for your own vigilance.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-5-7

5-5-7. 5-5-7. Safety Alert Pilot. Initiates appropriate action if a safety alert is received from ATC. Be aware that this service is not always available and that many factors affect the ability of the controller to be aware of a situation in which unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or another aircraft may be developing. Controller. Issues a safety alert if aware an aircraft under their control is at an altitude which, in the controller's judgment, places the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions or another aircraft. Types of safety alerts are: Terrain or Obstruction Alert. Immediately issued to an aircraft under their control if aware the aircraft is at an altitude believed to place the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain or obstructions. Aircraft Conflict Alert. Immediately issued to an aircraft under their control if aware of an aircraft not under their control at an altitude believed to place the aircraft in unsafe proximity to each other. With the alert, they offer the pilot an alternative, if feasible. Discontinue further alerts if informed by the pilot action is being taken to correct the situation or that the other aircraft is in sight.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What are the two types of safety alerts ATC may issue?

Per AIM 5-5-7, the two types are a Terrain or Obstruction Alert (when an aircraft is at an altitude believed to be in unsafe proximity to terrain or obstructions) and an Aircraft Conflict Alert (when another aircraft not under the controller's control appears to be in unsafe proximity).

Q2What is the pilot's responsibility when a safety alert is received?

Per AIM 5-5-7, the pilot must initiate appropriate action upon receiving a safety alert. The pilot should also be aware that this service is not always available and many factors affect the controller's ability to detect an unsafe situation.

Q3When will a controller discontinue issuing safety alerts?

Per AIM 5-5-7, the controller will discontinue further alerts once the pilot informs ATC that action is being taken to correct the situation or that the other aircraft is in sight.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-5-1

Pilot/Controller Responsibilities