When should a safety alert be issued?

A safety alert should be issued when there is an awareness of unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft. This is critical in aviation safety procedures because the primary goal is to ensure that aircraft maintain safe distances and avoid collisions or accidents. When air traffic controllers or pilots identify potential hazards that could compromise safety, timely communication through a safety alert helps mitigate risks and allows for the implementation of corrective actions.

Recognizing unsafe proximity is a proactive measure that enhances situational awareness for all parties involved. It serves as an essential layer of protection by warning pilots and facilitating necessary maneuvers to ensure the aircraft remains in a safe operating environment.

The other options do not align with the circumstances that necessitate a safety alert. For instance, issuing a safety alert when the aircraft is in a safe position would be unnecessary, as safety alerts are specifically designed to address potential dangers rather than report on safe situations. Moreover, a safety alert is not warranted simply because an aircraft is cleared for landing, as clearance assumes that the aircraft is operating under safe conditions. Finally, issuing a safety alert only upon pilot request does not encompass the responsibility of air traffic control to maintain safety proactively; alerts should be issued based on observations of potential hazards rather than solely on requests.