1 2 COLLISION AVOIDANCE A Different Perspective.

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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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