Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow them to soar magnificently through it.

Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips. Remember... when it comes to being better pilots, we're all in this together.

Aero-Tips 06.16.06

This week we've reviewed the many rules about route, altitude and approaches if radios fail in flight. A few more "lost comm" considerations:

Transponder

The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) says:

• Squawk 7600 to indicate your "lost comm" status.
• Recognize that at any point you may be an area or at an altitude where there is no radar coverage.

Back-ups

Strongly consider a back-up communications radio. Especially as some glass-cockpit airplanes consolidate all communication and navigation radios in a single package (potentially susceptible to failures of non-comm equipment like software or tuning systems) it's a very good idea to carry a handheld communications radio.

• Keep the handheld within easy reach of the pilot's seat.
• Change the batteries frequently, and carry fresh spare batteries in an easily accessible part of the airplane.
• If you can plug the radio into the airplane's electrical system do so; if the electrical system fails you'll have unused batteries in the handheld.
• If you own the airplane, install an external antenna plug for the handheld. Without an outside antenna most handhelds can transmit only a very few miles. With an external antenna transmission range increases phenomenally.

All this (except the external antenna) applies for a handheld navigation radio (usually a GPS) as well.

The "E" word

The "lost comm" rules we've reviewed provide guidance in case you find yourself without radios, in visual or instrument conditions. FAR 91.3b always gives the pilot-in-command to deviate from these rules if he/she feels a different course is warranted. For example, if I'm in solid IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions), lose radio communication, and know (from proper pre- and in-flight planning) that good visual weather exists to one side of my course, I might exercise emergency authority and turn off-course to better weather. I can cite emergency authority if asked afterward.

Aero-tip of the day: Prepare for lost comm flight, and remember you have the authority to do whatever it takes to get safely on the ground.

FMI: Aero-Tips