The Calm Complacency
The Cessna coming in from a holiday flight on Runway 7 calls a two-mile final. A Cherokee announces he is taxiing out for departure and holds short of 7-25 mid-field. A minute passes and the Cessna calls short final for Runway 7; The Cherokee announces he is departing on runway 25. The wind is technically calm, but the sock has been doing three sixties all morning like the Wheel of Fortune and now both aircraft are facing each other on the same runway. The Cessna rapidly decelerates and the Cherokee, realizing he has just pulled out in front of landing traffic maneuvers to the other side of the runway to let the Cessna pass. Fortunately there was no accident, but the potential for a tragedy existed.
Neither pilot made a comment on the radio. The Cherokee departed from mid-field and the Cessna taxied into the ramp. I wondered if the pilots exchanged hand signals as they passed on the runway, or just looked at each other in awe. The radio silence suggests that neither was really paying close attention to traffic activity, despite their radio calls.
Like a full moon, calm winds seem to bring out some of the strangest actions by pilots. Maybe it is the smooth air or tranquility of the day, but it seems as though pilots become fixated on landing or taking off, blocking their sensory perceptions around them in the traffic pattern and on the ground. With the potential for multiple runway use on calm days at non-towered airports the likelihood of runway incursions and midairs increases. The need to pay close attention visually and aurally to radio transmissions is imperative.
When you choose to use a different runway when other aircraft are in an established pattern the potential for accidents develops. Joining the existing traffic flow rather than becoming Captain Rogue and deviating from the existing traffic flow enhances safety. Have you ever thought about who is in the pattern with you? Factors contributing to safety are pilot experience levels, weather and familiarity with the field and local landmarks. Any one of these elements can quickly skew the tranquility of the moment.
When operating at a non-towered airport the likelihood of inexperienced pilots in the traffic pattern is greater. A seasoned pilot will anticipate various levels of experience in the pattern and listen carefully for indicators that reflect flight experience. Some examples are: Tension in the voice, methodical position reporting with nomenclature errors, and announcing incorrect runway numbers. Remember, students and visiting pilots may have difficulty perceiving traffic positions when multiple runways are used. A seasoned pilot also knows airport unfamiliarity and weather can increase pilot anxiety and attentiveness in the traffic pattern too. Knowing this you should carefully weigh the need to use a different runway for safety when there is an established pattern in use. There are times when a different runway may have to be used. Three examples might be: aircraft performance requirements due to runway length or displaced thresholds, crosswind landing practice, or banner tow operations. In each operation pilots should pay close attention to traffic activity to prevent conflicts and yield to others for safety.
Traffic pattern safety can be improved by following some basic practices. Tune up the ASOS or AWOS early and get the airport information. Once acquired, tune up the Unicom frequency and begin to monitor airport activity. Listening well in advance of pattern entry will provide you with a picture of traffic activity at the airfield. Plan on entering the existing pattern flow in a manner that will allow you to have proper spacing from the aircraft ahead. Know the pattern altitude for the airport and be at pattern altitude upon entry. You should never be descending to pattern altitude in the pattern.
Remember the standard traffic pattern is left turns. Knowing about the airport of intended landing is part of your pre-flight responsibilities. If the pattern is non-standard it will be noted on the sectional chart, in the Airport Facility Directory or by the Segmented Circle. Pilots who make right traffic in powered fixed wing aircraft to runways at airports with standard left hand traffic patterns, whether they announce it or not, compromise safety and community relations.
Reporting the correct traffic pattern position is important. When you call out a position pilots look to that location to find you. Incorrect position reports makes locating you in the pattern more difficult. You should only report the pattern position you are flying and not throw the pattern legs into a blender! Remember you are position reporting, so report where you are; 73V on base RWY 7 Westerly, 73V turning final RWY 7 Westerly, 73V on final RWY 7 Westerly. Being precise places you in a specific segment of airspace, making it easier for pilots to locate you.
I hear a lot of folks reporting they are on the upwind leg just after lift off when they are actually on the departure leg. Remember the upwind leg is “the flight path parallel to the landing runway in the direction of landing.” The departure leg is “the path along the extended centerline from lift off.” The Aeronautical Information Manual 4-3-1 c. provides this information for review. Knowing and using the proper traffic pattern terminology will enable you to locate others in the pattern and properly provide position reports for yourself. As the Pilot in Command you should not rely on others to apprise you of their position in the pattern. The catch phrase of late, “Any traffic in the area please advise.“ is not approved phraseology for pilots. AIM 4-1-9 g. addresses this phrase.
On calm wind days keep your head out of the cockpit and look for traffic. Taking the time to look, listen and communicate your intentions and position accurately will increase safety for yourself and others at non-towered airports. Placing safety above economics should be your everyday best practice. Using the correct terminology for position reporting will show a level of proficiency and professionalism to others. By reviewing your procedures and correcting bad habits you can avoid the calm complacency.
By James Cowley