See and Avoid

Any time you are flying the most important rule is to see and avoid other air traffic. Looking in the direction you intend on turning will help you be more aware of your surroundings, and let others know which direction you are going. 

While flying in traffic, it is your duty to be aware of your surroundings. You will hear this called ‘situational awareness’. Other pilots will expect you to follow standard traffic rules. You need to take your right of way as expected, but don’t assume all the other pilots are paying attention or know what they are doing. Collisions will always be the greatest danger while flying in traffic, so monitor the surrounding pilots by keeping your ‘head on a swivel’ and always maintain a safe distance.