but how many times have things gotten a little close?
I've asked myself that. flying since 1975. 737 captain for a US major now, but came up the hard way.
I can think of 4 times that things got close and not just a little bit close...but close enough to have nightmares about years later. close enough to suck in air through your teeth.
Providence or big sky?
well...keep your eyes open, your TCAS on, your transponder on, your lights on. listen and get the picture from ATC radio calls.
Challenge ATC when you hear something that doesn't make sense, like:
you are cleared to land on 9Right...United Heavy 623, you are cleared for takeoff on 27 Left.
And injun country, is still injun country.