Aero-Tips!
A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard
this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer
statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of
"there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation
so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it
all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.
Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner,
master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us
-- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as
representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have
heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we
might never have considered before, or something that didn't
"stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for
the practical test.
It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers
become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our
ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those
strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow
them to soar magnificently through it.
Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you
through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are
always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips.
Remember... when it comes to being better pilots, we're all in this
together.
Aero-Tips 06.16.06
This week we've reviewed the many rules about route, altitude
and approaches if radios fail in flight. A few more "lost comm"
considerations:
Transponder
The Aeronautical Information Manual
(AIM) says:
- Squawk 7600 to indicate your "lost comm" status.
- Recognize that at any point you may be an area or at an
altitude where there is no radar coverage.
Back-ups
Strongly consider a back-up communications radio. Especially as
some glass-cockpit airplanes consolidate all communication and
navigation radios in a single package (potentially susceptible to
failures of non-comm equipment like software or tuning systems)
it's a very good idea to carry a handheld communications radio.
- Keep the handheld within easy reach of the pilot's seat.
- Change the batteries frequently, and carry fresh spare
batteries in an easily accessible part of the airplane.
- If you can plug the radio into the airplane's electrical system
do so; if the electrical system fails you'll have unused batteries
in the handheld.
- If you own the airplane, install an external antenna plug for
the handheld. Without an outside antenna most handhelds can
transmit only a very few miles. With an external antenna
transmission range increases phenomenally.
All this (except the external antenna) applies for a handheld
navigation radio (usually a GPS) as well.
The "E" word
The "lost comm" rules we've reviewed provide guidance in case
you find yourself without radios, in visual or instrument
conditions. FAR 91.3b always gives the pilot-in-command to deviate
from these rules if he/she feels a different course is warranted.
For example, if I'm in solid IMC (Instrument Meteorological
Conditions), lose radio communication, and know (from proper pre-
and in-flight planning) that good visual weather exists to one side
of my course, I might exercise emergency authority and turn
off-course to better weather. I can cite emergency authority if
asked afterward.
Aero-tip of the day: Prepare for lost comm
flight, and remember you have the authority to do whatever it takes
to get safely on the ground.