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COLLISION AVOIDANCE
A Different Perspective
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No Boring Statistics !
No Boring Discussion on the Limitations of the Human Eye !
No “How to Scan for Traffic” Sermon
What Different Perspective?
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The Goals
Define the Problem
Offer Solutions
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BUT FIRST . . .
. . . a little review !
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The Holy Grail
FAR 91 . 113
. . . Vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft.
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As the National Airspace System becomes increasingly complex, the threat of mid-air collisions involving general aviation recreational aircraft will increase !
Mid-air collisions usually involve fatalities - there are no fender-benders in the air !
THE CHALLENGE
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1991 - 1996
79 Mid-air collisions involving general aviation aircraft !
Interesting Statistics !
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DOES NOT INCLUDE -
FAR Part 121 / 135 Aircraft
Military Aircraft
Public Use Aircraft
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SAFER SKIESA Focused Agenda
Pilot Judgment & Decision-making Loss of Aircraft Control Weather Factors Survivability
Collision Avoidance
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INTERESTING HUMAN LIMITATIONS
Empty-Field Myopia
Blind Spots
Fixation / Distractions
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Facts...
DOWNWIND LEG 2%
BASE LEG 18%
FINAL APPROACH 80 %
GENERAL AVIATION MID-AIR COLLISIONS 1991 – 1996(General Aviation Aircraft Only)
1991 – 17 Collisions Involving 31 Aircraft Over ½ of these collisions occurred1992 - 11 Collisions Involving 22 Aircraft in the traffic pattern or on approach1993 - 10 Collisions Involving 17 Aircraft or departure from an airport.1994 - 8 Collisions Involving 15 Aircraft1995 - 15 Collisions Involving 29 Aircraft 80% of mid-air collisions occurred1996 - 18 Collisions Involving 31 Aircraft within 10 miles of an airport.
78% of collisions occurring in vicinity of airports occurred at non-towerairports.
The vast majority of mid-air collisions occur –
1. During daylight hours2. Below 3,000 feet agl3. Within 10 miles of an airport4. On weekend days
Prevalent Locations for Mid-air Collisions in the Traffic Pattern
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What does all of this mean ?
Because of physical limitations and the increasingly complex nature of our airspace system, the potential for a mid-air collision is very real and will remain a serious threat to general aviation safety !
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The Strategy -The Three W’s
WHEN ?
WHERE ?
WHAT ?
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THE STRATEGY !
WHEN are mid-air collisions most likely to occur ?
WHERE is the potential for a mid-air collision the greatest ?
WHAT can the pilot do to prevent or minimize this threat ?
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WHEN ?WHEN ?
VFR WEATHER
BELOW 3,000 FEET AGL
WITHIN 10 MILES OF DEPARTURE AIRPORT
WEEKENDS
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WHERE ?WHERE ? WITHIN 10 MILES OF NON-TOWER
AIRPORTS
TRANSITION TO/FROM THE TRAFFIC PATTERN
PRIMARILY IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN !
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Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Traffic Pattern, but . . .
FAR 91 . 113
FAR 91 . 126
FAR 91 . 127
AIM
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FAR 91 . 126
When approaching to land at an airport without an operating control tower . . . each pilot of an airplane must make all turns of that airplane to the left [ unless otherwise designated ].
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FAR 91 . 127
When operating in the vicinity of an airport in Class E airspace, comply with
FAR 91.126
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Furthermore . . .
Aeronautical Information Manual
Chapter 4 Section 3
Airport Operations
FAA Advisory Circular 91-66A
Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns and Practices For Operations At Airports Without Operating Control Towers
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CONFUSING ?
You Bet !
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SURVIVAL STRATEGIESThe “WHAT”
Know where the traffic is !
Airports
Victor Airways
MTRs
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SURVIVAL STRATEGIESThe Sequel !
Know where the potential for conflict is the greatest !
Traffic Pattern
(Specifically Final Approach)
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The TRAFFIC Pattern !
Downwind Leg - 2%
Base Leg - 18%
Final Approach - 80%
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(F)USTALL
Look out - and LOOK OUT!
Where & When to ESPECIALLY look?
Constantly checking for traffic should be a habit - a way of life. Without it you may not have a life…!
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Entry
Downwind
Base
Final
Critical ‘Check For Traffic’ Points
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SURVIVAL STRATEGIESPart Three
RADIOS -
use them or lose them !
Report positions frequently, and accurately, when operating in the vicinity
of a non-tower airport.
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SURVIVAL STRATEGIESThe Conclusion
“See and Avoid” is more than a regulation,
It is an Attitude !
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It’s all up to you!
Be aware - responsibility for mid-air collision avoidance is in YOUR hands!
‘ SEE AND BE SEEN’!
Check your attitude - no-one is invulnerable.
Lou Frank
Thanks for listening - any questions…?
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