Definition
The resolution of potential conflictions between aircraft that are radar identified and in communication with ATC by ensuring that radar targets do not touch. Pertinent traffic advisories shall be issued when this procedure is applied. Note: This procedure shall not be provided utilizing mosaic radar systems.
Plain English
When ATC is watching two aircraft on radar and talking to both of them, the controller keeps their radar blips from touching and tells the pilots about each other. It is a separation method used only with single-site radar, not mosaic radar.
Context Anchor
You may see this term in air traffic control, traffic display, route planning, and collision-avoidance discussions.
Derivation
Conflict comes from Latin words meaning “to strike together.” Resolution comes from Latin words meaning “to loosen” or “settle.” Together, the phrase points to settling a situation where flight paths could come together too closely.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots may receive immediate heading, altitude, or speed instructions from ATC to resolve the conflict and prevent a loss of separation.
Grounding Statement
If two aircraft are expected to arrive at the same place at nearly the same time, conflict resolution changes one or both paths so that does not happen.
Intuition Check
Do not read “conflict” here as an argument between people. In this context, it means aircraft or flight paths that may interfere with each other, and “resolution” means changing the situation to restore safe separation.
Example Sentence 1
The controller used conflict resolution to keep the two VFR targets from merging while issuing traffic advisories to both pilots.
Example Sentence 2
Timely conflict resolution allowed both airplanes to maintain five miles of separation during the approach.