Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 33; Flight Crew Total 97; Flight Crew Type 97
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Human Factors
VFR flight en route 5500 ft direct [eastbound; to the destination]; incident happened near shoreline near ZZZ (exact distance not recorded.)Requested VFR flight following. Happened approximately 5 mins after the handover from [hand-off between TRACON controllers]. Both ATC facilities advised traffic. Pilot had traffic in sight the whole time but had no knowledge of the other aircraft's make/type; speed; intention; direction. Pilot exercised extreme caution. The other aircraft was not in communication with the same ATC frequency and was probably on an incorrect VFR altitude.ATC did not advise avoidance action; and I was not able to estimate the vertical distance until in close vicinity. It was eventually made aware to me at a close distance that the two aircrafts were on converging courses. The other aircraft passed 200-300 ft over my aircraft.I should have followed right of ways rules earlier to avoid potential hazards but the other aircraft was clearly on an incorrect altitude (cruising at 5500 FT on 180-359 heading). This flight is one of my very first flights after my PPL [Private Pilots License] check ride and my second night x-country. This will indeed be a very important lesson for my future flying.
PA-28 pilot reported NMAC during cruise with aircraft who was possibly on incorrect VFR altitude.