Subject: Re: Potomac crash - VAS Aviation
From my recollection, the controller told the helo the altitude of the plane to avoid, but didn't give them a direction. I've heard controllers say to look at your 1 o'clock for the target. (Just an example, but might be close to where the helo needed to be looking.) A directional indication might have helped make sure the helo pilots were looking in the right place for the conflicting traffic. Maybe.

Yeah, the controller had noted that the CRJ was at 1200 feet IIRC and over a bridge; there was no other directional indication. You're right, they usually say, "Look for traffic your X o'clock at Y altitude". The helicopter pilot might have assumed the CRJ was flying straight and level...