In article ,
Larry Dighera wrote:
Responding with "looking" acknowledges the transmission and tells
the controller than I don't have the traffic but I'm not blowing it off.

I agree with your reasoning, but regulations only instruct the
controller to provide the VFR traffic advisory; they don't require the
controller to be concerned if you see the traffic or not. That said,
it has been my experience, that a controller will make an effort to
continue advising the traffic's position (if it is a factor) until the
pilot reports "in sight."

Actually, I mostly fly IFR, so my comments were from that perspective.
It's still "see & avoid" under IFR in VMC, but the controller is off the
hook if you spot the traffic and are told to maintain visual separation.
It's a benefit to the controller and usually, to you as well.


JKG