Counting Shadows to Prevent a Mid-air Collision

Most summer-time VFR flying takes place on sunny days at uncontrolled aerodromes. When flying 1,000 feet above ground — whether in the airport traffic pattern or while flying cross-country at low levels — you should be able to see the shadow of your aircraft as it tracks over the ground.

Why not turn such an observation into a means for mid-air collision avoidance? If you can see only one shadow, more than likely it means that there is only one aircraft in the vicinity: yours. If there are two shadows, look-out! Someone is getting too close to you.

Use this technique and you’ll be a safer, better and more conscientious pilot, beyond a shadow of a doubt…