IFR Separation Standards Under these conditions, ATC may issue traffic advisories, but it is the sole responsibility of the pilot to be vigilant so as to see and avoid other aircraft.

In 2026, the responsibility for collision avoidance in uncontrolled airspace (typically Class G) rests primarily with the pilot in command (PIC) of each aircraft. Operating under the "See and Avoid" principle, pilots must maintain constant vigilance and scan the skies for other traffic, as there is no Air Traffic Control (ATC) providing separation services. In modern aviation, this human responsibility is heavily augmented by technology such as ADS-B Out and TCAS/ACAS systems, which provide visual and audible alerts of nearby aircraft. However, even with these digital aids, the legal and operational burden remains with the pilot to execute maneuvers that prevent a mid-air collision. Pilots are also expected to follow standard right-of-way rules—for example, an aircraft being overtaken has the right of way, and both pilots must alter course to the right when approaching head-on—to ensure safety in shared, unregulated skies.