What is the recommended action for pilots involved in NMAC occurrences?

Pilots involved in Near Midair Collision (NMAC) occurrences are advised to report incidents immediately to the nearest FAA Air Traffic Control (ATC) or Flight Service Station (FSS). This prompt communication is crucial for several reasons.

First, reporting an NMAC event right away allows air traffic controllers to be aware of the situation and take necessary actions to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Immediate reporting also contributes to maintaining situational awareness among all pilots in the vicinity, enhancing overall safety in the airspace.

Additionally, timely reports help capture accurate and detailed information about the incident, which is essential for any further investigation or analysis of air traffic safety. This kind of real-time information can aid in identifying trends or hazardous conditions that might be developing in certain airspace areas.

By contrast, options involving reporting after the flight or filing reports with the NTSB, while part of safety protocols, do not allow for immediate corrective actions. Notifying the aircraft manufacturer is not typically relevant in the context of NMACs, as these incidents primarily concern operational safety and air traffic management rather than aircraft performance or design issues.