Definition
A function of certain air traffic control automated systems designed to alert the controller when the system detects that two tracked aircraft are predicted to come within unsafe proximity of each other in distance and altitude. When the alert activates, the controller is expected to take immediate action to resolve the conflict.
Plain English
A warning that goes off on the controller's radar screen when two aircraft are getting too close to each other. The controller then steps in to keep them apart.
Context Anchor
Pilots may encounter this term in ATC system descriptions, traffic separation discussions, or after a controller issues a prompt heading, altitude, or traffic instruction.
Derivation
From Latin 'confligere' meaning 'to strike together' — here the 'conflict' is two aircraft on paths that would bring them too close. 'Alert' comes from Italian 'all'erta' meaning 'on the watch.' Together: a watch system that warns when paths are about to clash.
Why Pilots Care
Gives controllers early warning so they can issue instructions to keep aircraft safely apart.
Intuition Check
Conflict Alert does not mean any general warning about a problem. In this context, it specifically means an automated ATC warning about aircraft that are, or may soon be, too close to each other.
Example Sentence 1
The controller's automated system generated a conflict alert, prompting an immediate turn instruction to the inbound traffic.
Example Sentence 2
During approach to a busy airport, conflict alerts help keep arriving flights safely spaced.