What is the primary responsibility of a pilot when uncertain of their position and requesting VDF steer?

When a pilot is uncertain of their position and requests VDF (VHF Direction Finding) steer, the primary responsibility is to avoid other traffic and ensure terrain clearance. This situation arises when a pilot is unsure of their exact location, and while they are seeking assistance from air traffic control to help navigate back on course, their immediate focus must be on ensuring safety.

Maintaining a safe altitude is crucial to avoid obstacles and other aircraft in the vicinity. While following ATC instructions, communicating with other pilots, and maintaining altitude consistency are important aspects of flying, the critical action during a state of positional uncertainty is to prioritize the awareness of surroundings to prevent mid-air conflicts and terrain collisions. Therefore, focusing on avoiding other traffic and ensuring clearance from the terrain takes precedence in such scenarios.