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 good pilots, we're all in this
together.
Aero-Tips 01.24.06
Most pilots feel comfort when they hear the words "radar
contact." It usually is safer to have an extra set of eyes watching
your progress. Radar isn’t perfect, however, and eventually
you’ll flight far enough, or descend low enough, that you
disappear from the radar screen.
Radar Service Terminated
"Radar service terminated" is a precisely worded statement from
Air Traffic Control that tells you you’re no longer being
provided radar services. You may or may not have actually "dropped
off" the scope -- you may be out of coverage, your transponder may
have died, the radar itself may have failed, or you may simply be
in a place ATC does not provide radar services -- but you’ll
be handled as if you had. You’re now fully responsible for
traffic and terrain avoidance in visual conditions, although if
you’re IFR your clearance is not canceled and ATC still
provides separation services if you’re in Instrument
Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
"Termination" is automatic without ATC stating such in these
situations:
- You’ve canceled your IFR flight plan and/or VFR traffic
advisories ("flight following"). If you’re in Class B or C
airspace you do not have the option of canceling at least Flight
Following service.
- Arriving IFR or VFR, ATC hands you off to the Common Traffic
Advisory Frequency (CTAF, at non-towered airports) or the
tower.
- You’ve landed at the primary airport of Class B or C
airspace or one of the remaining TRSAs
- You’ve completed a radar approach.
Aero-tip of the day: Understand what it means
to be told "radar service terminated," that it does not cancel a
clearance or flight plan, and when radar service may be terminated
without notification from ATC.