Relative bearing methods

[double_barrel]

Am I correct that pilots universally use the clock face relative bearing system – ie traffic at 9 O’clock ?

On boats I have always used a different system (which I have an idea is a navy convention). So that 9 O’clock would be called as red 90. 3 O’clock is green 90 etc. I have to say I much prefer it, partly of course because I am familiar with it, but it also seems faster and more intuitive; as soon as you hear red or green, you know which side, then swivel your head according to the number of degrees.

Am I alone in this? Do any others use this? Perhaps navy fliers ? I guess it would not likely be easily understood by a random ATC or colleague ?

[Jim59]

but it also seems faster and more intuitive; as soon as you hear red or green, you know which side,
Arguably more people are familiar with clocks faces than red for port etc.. However, it is sometimes reported that schools are replacing analogue clocks with digital because children are unfamiliar with clock faces. (Sounds like a teaching opportunity rather than a hardware replacement opportunity to me - but then I'm familiar with a clock face,)

[Jan Olieslagers]

Am I correct that pilots universally use the clock face relative bearing system – ie traffic at 9 O’clock ?

Yes. At least, it is the only terminology I learned during training, and it is the only thing I hear on the FIS over here. Then again, you seem to be in the UK, where many peculiar habits survive.

[oggers]

as soon as you hear red or green, you know which side, then swivel your head according to the number of degrees.

True. However, best practice using the clock code is to prefix either left or right eg Traffic right 2 o'clock....

[Whopity]

The only time you use the clock code is to point out an aircraft position to another person in the aircraft. If you add colours to it, there is the possibility of confusing that with the navigation lights on another aircraft which if its coming towards you will be opposite to your own.

[paulo]

Also, flying with a (non ‘marine’) passenger, asking them to look for traffic... better sticking to something that everyone understands.

[India Four Two]

I suspect that if you asked the average PPL which colour was on which wingtip, you would get a significant number of wrong answers!

Always the clock system in aviation in my experience. I wonder what the Fleet Air Arm used?

[Whopity]

you would get a significant number of wrong answers! Thats why there was a specific air law paper dedicated to lights!

[YorkshireTyke]

A Captain I once flew with, asked how he knew where to go, flying at night ? Well, Madam, he replied, can you see that red light on the end of the wing, out there ? ( the reflection was visible in a bit of plastic fitted for that purpose ) Yes. And can you see that green light over there ? Yes, well, I just have to fly between them !

[megan]

best practice using the clock code is to prefix either left or right eg Traffic right 2 o'clockWhat if he says left 2 o'clock? You would be surprised how folks can get their left/right confused in a time of stress. Did it once during ambush training. Apocryphal story has it that a fighter pilot wrote left/right on the appropriate glove to avoid confusion in a fight. I wonder what the Fleet Air Arm used? Always used the clock, could have used the fishheads "points" I guess, as in, "two points abaft the beam, starboard side". A point is 11.25° (one thirty second of 360°)

[double_barrel]

Thanks! I will stick to the clock method.


A couple of minor points

The only time you use the clock code is to point out an aircraft position to another person in the aircraft. If you add colours to it, there is the possibility of confusing that with the navigation lights on another aircraft which if its coming towards you will be opposite to your own.

I have in the past called coastguard helicopters from boats and said something like 'I am on your green 45'. That was certainly understood. In fact it is especially when referring to a position relative to another vessel that I find it most intuitive. I think of a boat (or aircraft) as having a green side and a red side whereas left and right are potentially confusing. To me, that also helps make collision avoidance intuitive; in both boats and planes, when crossing, if you see a red light or the red side, you need to give way, if you see green you are 'stand-on'. Red danger, green 'clear', makes sense to me.


Anyway. Not trying to be a smartarse, obviously there is no point in using an obscure personal system! I will stick with the clock!

[Auxtank]

As pilot and sailor - I use green, red on the water and clock face in the air - and prey I don't hear myself using both on the same trip!

[YorkshireTyke]

I broke an ankle last year and was provided with the modern type of elbow crutches. The handles were subtly shaped for left and right hands, but at first glance that was difficult to see, and I was forever picking up the wrong one first, so ..... I marked the handles red and green.

[India Four Two]

Apocryphal story has it that a fighter pilot wrote left/right on the appropriate glove to avoid confusion in a fight.

A UAS friend of mine wrote Port and Starboard on his flying gloves!

[Bergerie1]

A red and a green sock does it or me. So long as I remebered to put them on the correct feet!

[mikehallam]

Whilst Hearing Aids are oppositely coloured.
Green goes in one's left ear, red to the right.

[I always think my way out of that confusement by considering the view as seen by the eye Dr.,- then it works !]

mike hallam.

[Auxtank]

Another vote for red/ green socks for sailing. They come under the list of essential items!

[Discorde]

Most light aircraft passengers will not understand the clock code. My practice is to brief them: "point to anything you see and call 'traffic'. If it's close, call 'traffic close'". You can assess bearing by observing the direction they're pointing in. I tell them that "close" means you can see detail.

[BillieBob]

Apocryphal story has it that a fighter pilot wrote left/right on the appropriate glove to avoid confusion in a fight.For many years while instructing in the military, I would write LEFT on my right glove and RIGHT on the left. Not once did anyone, student or instructor, notice.

[nonsense]

A UAS friend of mine wrote Port and Starboard on his flying gloves!
I've seen Port and Starboard marked on the sides of the boom of yachts to help the helmsman remember which tack they're on.
For juniors I've seen this reduced to "GO FOR IT!" (starboard tack, has right of way) and "NO WAY!" (port tack).

[India Four Two]

I've seen Port and Starboard marked on the sides of the boom of yachts to help the helmsman remember which tack they're on.

Huge potential for confusion! On a starboard tack, the boom is out to port!

[ETOPS]

On a starboard tack, the boom is out to port

On layovers in SFO I used to take the crew sailing in the bay from Sausalito. The rental boats there had suitably placed red and green stickers on the end of the boom for just this reason - neat idea.......

[oggers]

What if he says left 2 o'clock? You would be surprised how folks can get their left/right confused in a time of stress.

I would not be surprised at all. Equally, people mix up 10 o'clock and two o'clock and east and west. We aren't machines. But if you say left 2 o'clock the person you are addressing will realise immediately you have made a mistake. It is belt and braces. Or not.

[BackPacker]

Whilst Hearing Aids are oppositely coloured.
Green goes in one's left ear, red to the right.


My motorcyle ear plugs are marked red for right, blue for left. Oh well.