[central_va]

Mid air collisions flying VFR are rare but the do happen. Planes have large blind spots. If two aircraft are using the same air space each should know the other’s altitude. Radios are your friend.

[blackdog]

Practicing my solo touch and go's was my pride working on my private. One day I got called up and told to visit the tower. The designated examiner was there to compliment me on my precision and accuracy. He then he explained he was about ten feet off my right wing for an hour and I never saw him once.

From then on my head is on a swivel. Never focus on one critical task. Scan and distribute your attention to all risks and obligations.

[BatGuano]

Winter Haven airport does not have a Control Tower.
Pilots are responsible to use a “Unicom “ frequency to announce their intentions, position/altitude etc.
The J-3 Cub that I flew in 1961 did not have an electrical system. Therefore, no radio, no nav lights or landing lights. It was a DAY VFR airplane. Most likely, both pilots were not aware of each other and did not see to avoid a collision.
The pilot must always be vigilant at all times, especially when operating at airports without a Control Tower. I flew during my senior year at college in the USAF ROTC program. Gravel runway and skis used when snow was on the ground.
36 hours experience and then on Alabama to flying Jet Trainers,
The airport is now a shopping Mall south of Rochester, NY,