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Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2006 23:40:22 -0500
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From: "Dan Schaefer" <dfs155@adelphia.net>
Subject: Re: Runway checks, passes, flybys.
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Couldn't agree with Jeff Edwards more - making the last three miles to an
uncontrolled airport while decending at 180 kts + followed by a high speed
pass such that it could stir up a dust devil is only justified if it's your
private field and you're absolutely sure that no one else could be in the
pattern (or within three miles of the field). In any case, please don't do
that at the field where I fly (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) as I have several
friends flying vintage aircraft without radios (nordo) other than maybe a
handheld - they will likely not hear your call.

Additionally, it follows that dragging a field at 100 feet and 180 kts + to
check the runway means you're giving most of your attention to looking for
what might impede your landing - not potential traffic conflicts.

Do that at the airport where I fly (and any other uncontrolled field that I
know of) and you're likely to find yourself eating a nordo Champ, J-3 or
etc. for lunch. Believe me, there's still a lot of them out there all around
the country. Wouldn't be quite so bad if you're the only one put at risk but
the poor unsuspecting Champ, etc., driver goes West too.

Also, while on the subject, even making a long straight in approach to an
uncontrolled field instead of flying the published pattern, while possibly
FAR legal, is cutting your safety margins (and other's) merely to save the
extra couple of minutes it would take to fly the pattern. I've almost been
the victim of this practice by another pilot so I know of what I speak - it
was close enough that had I had another coat of paint on my airplane, I
wouldn't have HAD another coat of paint! And I was dutifully announcing my
position throughout the episode.

Dan Schaefer