Definition
Advisories issued by ATC to alert a pilot to other known or observed air traffic which may be in such proximity to the position or intended route of flight of the aircraft to warrant the pilot's attention. Such advisories may be based on visual observation, observation of radar returns, or verbal reports from other pilots.
Plain English
A heads-up from ATC telling you about another aircraft nearby that you should know about, so you can look for it and stay clear.
Context Anchor
You may hear Traffic Advisories from air traffic control during radio communication, especially when another aircraft is close enough to matter to your flight path.
Derivation
“Traffic” means movement along a route, and in aviation it means aircraft operating in an area. “Advisory” comes from “advise,” meaning to give helpful information. Together, the term means information about aircraft movement near you, not an order or clearance.
Why Pilots Care
Helps pilots visually locate other aircraft and maintain safe separation to prevent mid-air collisions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “advisory” as “instruction.” A Traffic Advisory is a warning or heads-up about nearby aircraft; it does not by itself tell you to turn, climb, descend, or assume the controller will keep you clear of all traffic.
Example Sentence 1
Approach called traffic advisories on a Cessna at our two o'clock, three miles, opposite direction.
Example Sentence 2
While on approach, I received traffic advisories about a helicopter crossing the final approach course.