Closed tower, RPT & GA

[tasdevil.f27]

Intersting thoughts guys, I was having an argument with some people who thought that the GA guys should make way when the LST tower is closed during the day. Nice to see i think pretty much the same as you guys.As someone said, its the non standard or lack of, calls that are more of an issue and thats from both GA & RPT jets.

[james michael]

F27

You certainly encouraged a good debate.

I might put a different flavour to the 'non standard' calls by suggesting there are some in the NAS that are not needed and some missing that are needed.

When the 8 minute call is mandated (the changes are delayed at SCC due some minor gaps pointed out) time finally becomes a genuine call.

Although, if anyone is looking for a clear definition, try this recent from CASA: -

... should note that in addition to the five (5) specific mandated broadcasts that the regulations call up, there is a general requirement for the pilot to make other calls that may be necessary to avoid a collision or risk of a collision. As is the case under the current regulations for CTAF(R) aerodromes, monitoring and broadcasting in relation to transiting/overflying flights at non-controlled aerodromes depicted in the relevant maps and charts would only be required if the aircraft was being operated at a height that could put it in conflict with aerodrome operations. This is made clear in the definition of "in the vicinity of" set out in CAR 166(1).

Having noted the above, I support calls deemed necessary by the 'reasonable man' rather than a suite of prescriptions. Problem is, each reasonable man has different concepts of what is needed.

[OZBUSDRIVER]

This is a strange argument. On one hand, there is a question of training as to whether GA can share the same circuit area as a heavy. And, the other is the primacy of RPT over GA. All I can say is that RPT may just appear above GA in the pecking order in a primary control zone (where I think this argument has it's roots) When it comes to what is essentially a CTAF(R) It just comes down to airmanship as peuce alludes to

If the heavy calls at 30nm and I am inside 12 to 15nm to the same aerodrome, guess what? It's not rocket science. If the RPT announces the method of approach, either straight in or a downwind/base entry then I will do my best to facilitate not holding the big guy up. Noting that the big guy is going to act more like Fat Albert than Sterling Moss the closer they get to the threshold. Haven't had the privelage of sharing with a heavy. Biggest was a Dash out of YNBR for YMOR, we stayed west of the highway and they continued DCT and that was no problems at all. EDIT- one radio call and everyone was happy

[Ultralights]

And if a student doesn't do it right, well we don't get on our high horse and belittle him, we help him.

same could be said for some RPT crews!

[ZEEBEE]

Years ago we used to fly gliders from Mt. Isa and though there was a tower there, it serves to demonstrate that all classes of traffic can be accomodated if common sense prevails.

It was always interesting to be in the circuit with a 727 and be asked by the tower if we could hold while the 72 got himself parked.

if we could (and mostly we did), we would orbit, bearing in mind that we were burning zero fuel while he was sluicing it out the back.
At the end of the day, we could have insisted on our priority but ultimately it made little difference to us and would have had more serious consequences for the three holer.
Life is about co-operation NOT domination.