What is one way to improve situational awareness as a pilot?

Maintaining communication with air traffic control is a crucial way to enhance situational awareness as a pilot. By staying in contact with air traffic controllers, pilots receive real-time updates on traffic, weather conditions, and any changes in flight plans or procedures. This information allows pilots to make informed decisions, anticipate potential conflicts, and respond appropriately to any situational changes. Communication provides a broader perspective on the airspace environment, helping to keep the pilot aware of what is happening both in the cockpit and outside of it.

In contrast, increasing aircraft speed may limit a pilot's ability to process information effectively and reduce reaction time to unexpected events. Focusing solely on flight instruments can also undermine situational awareness, as it can cause the pilot to miss important visual cues or external changes. Additionally, avoiding distractions in the cockpit is important, but it does not substitute for proactive communication with air traffic control, which actively contributes to a pilot’s situational understanding and decision-making capabilities.