Plain English Meaning

Before doing a flight maneuver, the pilot turns and looks around to make sure no other aircraft are nearby. It is a quick, deliberate way to check that the sky is clear before starting.

Full Definition

Specific maneuvers and visual scanning techniques pilots perform before and during flight maneuvers to ensure the airspace around the airplane is free of other traffic. Common methods include shallow S-turns, gentle climbing or descending turns of at least 90 degrees, and a deliberate visual scan of the area in which the maneuver will be conducted.