Definition 1 of 2
Definition
A pilot report to ATC indicating that previously issued traffic is visually acquired. It is the affirmative response to a controller's traffic advisory and confirms the pilot can see the other aircraft.
Plain English
A pilot's way of telling the controller, 'I can see the other aircraft you told me about.'
Context Anchor
Used on the radio after a controller gives a traffic advisory and the pilot actually sees the reported traffic.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms to the controller that visual separation is being maintained, allowing the pilot to assume responsibility for avoiding the traffic.
Intuition Check
Do not say “traffic in sight” just because you know where the traffic should be, or because you see something on a display. It means you actually see the specific traffic with your eyes.
Example Sentence 1
After the controller called a Cessna at two o'clock, three miles, the pilot replied, 'Traffic in sight.'
Example Sentence 2
Traffic in sight, we will follow them into the pattern.