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NOtimTAMs · 9th October 2008, 12:16

Interesting thread. I fly GA IFR and VFR and until recently also had an RAA craft and operate in the full range of airstrips/airspace. I've seen cowboys (and even a few cowgirls) across the spectrum.

The risk of descending on top of a no radio VFR ACFT (GA or RAA) under a low overcast on an approach or let-down to <3000' AGL can not be completely mitigated. It's a risk you take once out of primary radar coverage/control and always a risk in CTAF (non-R). Mudgee's a good example of being able to a GPS arrival to about 1500' AGL beneath which VFR ACFT can be legally tootling about without radios - and even if radio equipped, there are 3 surrounding FIA FRQ in addition to the CTAF to choose from or monitor.....

The cropdusters have to be one of the most common GA ACFT that fly low, often fly non-standard circuits and will keep operating under a low overcast and be rather allergic to radio use. There are exceptions, I'm sure.

I have a particular b!tch about IFR ACFT, usu RPT, I'm afraid, proudly announcing that they're doing a "RNAV Approach with a November Charlie transition" or similar. IT MEANS NOTHING TO MOST VFR PILOTS. Make the effort to say that you are (say) tracking to a 15 mile straight in approach for runway (insert number), or link the waypoint to a geographic feature (e.g. a point 5 miles south of (insert town name here). Do this whether you're doing an RNAV/NDB/GPS procedure, fellas and girls.

There's room for improvement across the board.......

9th October 2008, 12:16	#74 (permalink)
NOtimTAMs Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Awstraya Posts: 171	Interesting thread. I fly GA IFR and VFR and until recently also had an RAA craft and operate in the full range of airstrips/airspace. I've seen cowboys (and even a few cowgirls) across the spectrum. The risk of descending on top of a no radio VFR ACFT (GA or RAA) under a low overcast on an approach or let-down to <3000' AGL can not be completely mitigated. It's a risk you take once out of primary radar coverage/control and always a risk in CTAF (non-R). Mudgee's a good example of being able to a GPS arrival to about 1500' AGL beneath which VFR ACFT can be legally tootling about without radios - and even if radio equipped, there are 3 surrounding FIA FRQ in addition to the CTAF to choose from or monitor..... The cropdusters have to be one of the most common GA ACFT that fly low, often fly non-standard circuits and will keep operating under a low overcast and be rather allergic to radio use. There are exceptions, I'm sure. I have a particular b!tch about IFR ACFT, usu RPT, I'm afraid, proudly announcing that they're doing a "RNAV Approach with a November Charlie transition" or similar. IT MEANS NOTHING TO MOST VFR PILOTS. Make the effort to say that you are (say) tracking to a 15 mile straight in approach for runway (insert number), or link the waypoint to a geographic feature (e.g. a point 5 miles south of (insert town name here). Do this whether you're doing an RNAV/NDB/GPS procedure, fellas and girls. There's room for improvement across the board.......