Definition
A deliberate change in flightpath made by a pilot to prevent a collision or near-collision with another aircraft, terrain, or obstacle. In the traffic pattern context, it refers to the action a pilot takes — such as turning, climbing, descending, or going around — to maintain safe separation from conflicting traffic.
Plain English
A move you make with the airplane to get out of the way of something — usually another aircraft — before it becomes a problem.
Context Anchor
In the airport traffic pattern, a pilot may need an avoidance maneuver if another aircraft gets too close, enters the pattern unexpectedly, or creates unsafe spacing near the runway.
Derivation
From 'avoid' (Old French 'esvuidier' — to empty out, get away from) plus 'maneuver' (French 'manœuvre' — a worked or handled action). Together: a handled action taken to get clear of something. The everyday meaning carries straight into aviation.
Why Pilots Care
Timely avoidance maneuvers prevent mid-air collisions and maintain safe spacing when several aircraft share the same traffic pattern.
Analogy
Like changing lanes on a busy road when another car begins to drift into your space.
Intuition Check
An avoidance maneuver is not a panic move or a last-second dodge. It is a controlled action made early enough to keep safe spacing.
Example Sentence 1
When the pilot spotted converging traffic on final, they executed an avoidance maneuver by sidestepping to the right and climbing.
Example Sentence 2
During pattern practice the instructor called for an avoidance maneuver when a departing airplane crossed the final approach path.