Control Zone.
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Do VFR receive the same level of safety in Class E that was Class C prior to Nov 27 2003?
Probably a higher level now as they can track direct and they are not forced over tiger country in single engine aircraft – which often happened. I was recently speaking to a pilot of an aircraft who on numerous times overflying Hamilton Island was kept holding at the control zone boundary over water in a single engine aircraft. Now that aircraft can fly in Class E airspace at a higher level of safety.
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Dick,
You seem to be confusing airspace classifications here.
The Hamilton Island Control zone has been class D since the 27th Nov 2003. Not class E as implied.
If this pilot was held in what is now class E airspace he would not have been held at the boundary of the control zone.
If what you are talking about is being held outside what was the Class C steps then the aircraft would have been above 4500 feet and should have easily been in a position to glide to the nearest land safely in the event of an engine failure.
As per usual don't let the facts get in the way of a good story.
By the way did you get held at all last time you flew through the Hamilton Island control zone in your caravan.
Regards
Ross