Definition
A radio call issued by air traffic control to alert a pilot to other traffic that is, or is believed to be, in a position or on a course that constitutes a possible collision hazard. The call is preceded by the words 'Traffic Alert' and is followed by the position of the conflicting traffic and, when possible, a suggested course of action.
Plain English
A controller's urgent radio warning that another aircraft is close enough to be a danger, telling the pilot where it is and often what to do about it.
Context Anchor
Heard on the radio when pilots are operating near each other, especially around airports without an operating control tower or in busy practice areas.
Why Pilots Care
Gives the pilot immediate awareness to look outside, adjust course, or climb/descend if needed to maintain separation.
Intuition Check
Do not assume this means any general warning about traffic. In this FAA glossary context, it means a pilot-made radio call to warn other aircraft nearby.
Example Sentence 1
The controller said, 'Traffic Alert, Cessna 23X, traffic twelve o'clock, one mile, opposite direction, climb immediately to four thousand.'
Example Sentence 2
After the traffic alert, the pilot spotted the other aircraft and turned slightly right to increase separation.