Evan Youngblood

So you’re thinking about flying your light aircraft to a “big” airport, but you’re a bit worried about what you should be prepared for. After all, you don’t want to be a burden to the big iron as you squeeze in between them.

I can’t say I blame you. Recently, I flew my Cherokee Six from my home base in Marion, Illinois to Houston. Which airport did I choose in Houston? Easy, KIAH – George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Yep, that’s right, hub of Continental Airlines. So how would I fit in among them? I’m happy to report that I was, at least as far as I know, no burden at all. (continue reading…)

AeroNewsNet is reporting that AOPA has shut-down its Wine Club — a thorn in the side of its members for some time.

AOPA — the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association — is supposed to represent the views of pilots and aircraft owners in various roles — such as to the government. Members pay a fee per year to be a part of the group, and some benefits are received.

Many members, including me, feel the Wine Club is the personification of the organization’s distance from the pilot population it is supposed to represent. I may just choose to renew my membership on this news.

AeroNewsNet is reporting today that former FAA lawyers are trying to blame the pilots of the American Airlines and United Airlines flights which landed at Washington Reagan Airport last week when the tower controller was asleep.

This rubs me the wrong way. Pilots land aircraft at “uncontrolled” airports everyday. In fact, a vast majority of airports are uncontrolled. While this is unusual for a major airport, it is very common for local and regional airports. Some air traffic control towers, such as the one at my home base of Marion, IL, are part-time — meaning the tower closes at a set time, and the field becomes uncontrolled.

An “uncontrolled” airport is truly a pilot-controlled airport. Meaning pilots talk to each other and work out who’s going to land and who’s going to depart. This system works remarkably well. Pilots can communicate if they’re overtaking another aircraft on final approach, or if they’re taxiing on the active runway to avoid an incident.

I’ve personally flown into uncontrolled airports many times.

The idea that the pilots should have waited is ridiculous. The weather was good, they could see the field. Had there been an emergency in progress, well-lit emergency vehicles would have been apparent on the runway.

The lawyer, Loretta Alkalay, apparently thinks the decision to land is not up to the pilot in command — which it is.

Pilots should not be the scapegoat for a situation like this. The pilots have infinite options at their disposal. The PIC may choose to divert, land, or even declare an emergency (if he/she feels it’s appropriate). The pilots in this situation were absolutely right in landing. They announced their positions, followed the rules, and delivered passengers safely.