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 01.05.06

Most airports don’t have the traffic or budget to warrant leaving runway lights on all night.  When towers are closed, and in almost all cases at non-towered airports, you will likely be responsible for turning on approach and runway lights for your arrival or departure.

To activate pilot-controlled lighting:

1. Check the Airport Facility Directory (AFD), instrument approach plates or other resources for a description of pilot-controlled lighting, and frequencies and instructions for its use  (Note: the CTAF is not always the frequency to use, and the lighting frequency is not published on Sectional charts)
2. When departing at night, activate the runway lights before taxiing onto the runway
3. When arriving at night and within about 15 miles of the airport, active runway and/or approach lights with seven clicks of the push-to-talk within five seconds, when tuned to the proper frequency
4. Activate the lights again just as you enter the pattern, or as you cross the final approach fix inbound, to keep the lights from going out while you’re close to the ground

When activated, lights will illuminate for 15 minutes.  Runway and approach lights cannot be deactivated during this period.  Runway Edge Identification Lights (REILs) can often be “stepped” in intensity by clicking three, five or seven times, and can be turned off or re-set during the 15 minute illumination time.  The AFD recommends always clicking the push-to-talk seven times to insure controlled lights are set to their maximum intensity.

Aero-Tip of the day:  Review the AFD or other sources for a description of and frequencies for pilot-controlled lighting at your intended and alternate airports.

FMI: Aero-Tips