When a pilot receives the advisory "TRAFFIC 2 O'CLOCK, 5 MILES, NORTHBOUND...", where should they look?

Answer: C — Between directly ahead and 90 to the right

The advisory "TRAFFIC 2 O'CLOCK, 5 MILES, NORTHBOUND..." provides directional and distance information that the pilot can utilize to locate the indicated traffic. In air traffic terminology, the term "2 O'Clock" refers to a position slightly forward of the aircraft's location, specifically at an angle of 60 degrees to the right. The phrase "5 MILES" indicates the distance to the traffic, while "NORTHBOUND" gives the direction of the other aircraft's movement. Given this information, the correct direction for the pilot to look is between directly ahead and 90 degrees to the right. This places the traffic in the appropriate quadrant relative to the aircraft’s current heading, allowing for optimal visual scanning to identify the other aircraft in that zone. Understanding this positioning is critical for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safe separation from other aircraft in the vicinity.