Professionalism

Helicopter Flight Information

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Professionalism

Professionalism, Courtesy, and Just Plain Common Sense

These are some of the things that separates pilots from the rest of the population. We need to keep certain standards strongly alive in aviation. It is what keeps pilots from becoming statistics.

Unfortunately, I am seeing an increasing number of pilots who are bending the rules of conduct. The problem with those who bend or ignore the rules of aviation is that either they become statistics themselves or much worse, they cause others to act improperly and as a result others may be harmed.

Keep in mind that most pilots are careful and conduct themselves appropriately. It is a foolish few who give aviation a black eye from time to time. When you see something wrong, stand up and say something about it.

Here are some areas where some pilots exhibit ignorance

Is it okay for two (2) aircraft to occupy the same runway? It is NEVER ok to have two aircraft moving on the same runway. NEVER. It is on the other hand ok to position and hold behind a landing or departing aircraft provided that you won't sit there to long with your blind side to approaching aircraft (uncontrolled airports).

Often one aircraft will land behind another which is rolling out on the landing, and is nearly ready to vacate the runway. This is not acceptable. The second landing aircraft should execute a go-around. If he or she does not, then that pilot is in need of more flight training.

Remember that an aircraft is not clear of the runway until it has crossed the hold short line. Often pilots will call that they are clear of the runway as soon as they start to turn off, and that is incorrect.

Is it ok to descend into the traffic pattern? Never! You should be at the traffic pattern altitude of the airport of intended landing two miles from the airport. If it is necessary to over fly an airport to check the winds; you must over fly that airport at least 500 feet above the traffic pattern altitude; then fly outbound for two miles; then turn back and enter the traffic pattern at pattern altitude.

Further, FAR § 91.103 states that as a part of a pilots preflight action, he or she must make themselves familiar with all available information concerning a flight. This would include a review of the AF/D, and the traffic pattern altitude contained within.

The airport is not controlled, so is it ok to land on any runway? Yes, as long as local traffic is using the same runway that you were wanting to use. When you are approaching or departing an airport, you should use the same runway that is in use by others unless the winds are favoring a different runway. If the winds are favoring another runway, suggest a change to that runway.

If all else fails, in the interest of safety, you should land on the runway most favored by the winds when possible. Sometimes you will encounter lazy pilots who just don't have the time (brains) to use the correct runway. In that case, state your intentions, and depart or land on the safest runway.

Another issue is the fact that most business jets require at least 5,000 feet of runway, and some even more. In those cases, it is necessary that they use a runway of adequate length regardless of the winds. This does not mean that you must also use that runway, it just means that you should use caution when they are landing or departing on another runway.

These are some issues, and more will be coming, as well as more detail.

Any pilot or Flight Instructor, FAA forbid, that flies with conduct disregarding the above issues, and if something occurs such as an accident or incident, there will be consequences. We need to say something when we see inappropriate activity going on. Especially if you are a Flight Instructor; after all, you are the example which students look up to.