A midair refers to an inflight collision between two or more aircraft, one of the most catastrophic events in aviation. Air traffic controllers and pilots use the term as shorthand when discussing separation losses, collision avoidance systems, or accident investigations. Preventing a midair is the foundational purpose of controlled airspace and radar sequencing.
Heard on the job
If he hadn't reacted to the TCAS resolution advisory, we would have had a midair over the beacon.
Insider tip
When pilots say they 'almost had a midair', they usually mean a near midair collision (NMAC), which is formally defined as aircraft passing within 500 feet of each other.
Also heard as
- midair collision
- MAC