Forgive me if this has been mentioned previously.
It is not only the lookout that is important but the eyes need to be focused. It is of little use being on instruments for a period of time and then proceed to lookout for something several miles away from your aircraft. Your eyes need to be focused for that distance, for you to see effectively. This takes time and not 5 seconds or so.
To focus you need to look at an object of that approximate distance, not just thin air.
This may sound like a wise guy statement but if you want to avoid completely the risk of a mid air collision, then stay on the ground. Mind you the aluminium /composite show will probably get you, from some other persons bad day at the office.
Last edited by joehunt; 17th June 2009 at 07:25.