PILOT SPIN
Pilot Zone => Pilot Zone => Topic started by: nddons on June 18, 2016, 06:30:30 PM
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I sent this email to our CAF Wing's A&P, who works out of the East Troy, WI airport:
Bill,
Are you aware of some reckless idiot in an ultralight or very light enclosed cockpit airplane operating at East Troy?
Here's the story. This morning I did a round robin tour of airports with Lou R. in his Champ for some more tailwheel work.
After a couple of landings at Palmyra, we went over to East Troy. I was maneuvering for the 45 degree entry to runway 8 at TPA, making appropriate announcements, and saw this guy 300 ft above me heading in the opposite direction. We guessed that he was just passing through the area as he wasn't anywhere near the pattern. As we entered the downwind we saw him flying what looked like a giant circle around the airport counterclockwise. He wasn't in any discernible pattern, and never made a radio call. The wind was right down 8.
I turned base and final, again with the proper announcements, and did a really decent wheel landing. Just as the tail was settling down, here comes NORDO idiot landing on 26, DOWN WIND and straight at us. I was too slow for a go around, so I hit the brakes and hugged the right side of the runway. NORDO briefly touched down and then immediately took off and veered to his right.
As we taxied back we saw the idiot come around and land on the grass on 36 and then went towards the hangars.
If you see him, feel free to kick his ass.
We then left and flew to Fox River (96C), Waukesha, Hartford, Watertown, and back to 88C. 3 hours and 13 landings, and never more than 1,000 AGL. It was a good day.
Thanks.
Stan
Shit like this needs to stop. There's no excuse to be NORDO in this day and age, in well used airspace. There's also no excuse to be a dumb asshole and put lives at risk by landing downwind without announcing that you're being a fucktard.
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Glad nothing serious came out of it. He could at least purchase a small hand held radio to monitor traffic. Either that or check in with the FBO/whoever is operating the radio at the place and let them know what he's going to be doing, if that's an option.
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Shit like this needs to stop. There's no excuse to be NORDO in this day and age, in well used airspace. There's also no excuse to be a dumb asshole and put lives at risk by landing downwind without announcing that you're being a fucktard.
Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel!
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There is nothing illegal about operating NORDO.
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There is nothing illegal about operating NORDO.
No, there isn't. But if doing so makes you conduct a "careless/reckless operation" like landing downwind and against the flow of traffic that has been properly announced, you violate FAR 91.13.
Being NORDO does not insulate you from having to follow the FARs.
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You can land downwind with or without a radio. The lack of radio didn't make the difference. Should he have checked the windsock, flag or something for the proper runway, yes.
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Why did you not go speak to him?
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Why did you not go speak to him?
My plan was to increase my tailwheel experience by hitting 7-8 airports. That was airport #2. I wanted to finish my mission.
We didn't know if he was done flying or not. Our mindset was "let's get the fuck out of here."
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I have to confess, I was the idiot once recently. Never felt so damn stupid.
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They told me it was a big sky out there
Sorry you pooped your pants Stan (and that's no joking matter).
I hope this guy gets a real sit-down talking to about his behavior.