Originally Posted by
dhc1chippymunk
It seems to me that:
-The pitts pilot was within his rights to take off.
-He should have made a radio call
-Regardless of whether glush was flying a piper or an aircraft with higher performance than the pitts he was wasting time by backtracking 20m when over 250m is available, especially when he is so concerned about runway behind him.
-The pitts pilot probably assumed that when glush started backtracking he would backtrack for long enough for him to take off safely.
-Finally, both pilots were not on top form that day.
Investigation complete
However, I do understand why glush was annoyed
I think you have succinctly and accurately summarized the situation.
I think this is an example of a more widespread issue. That is the lack of emphasis flight training organizations place on using runway time efficiently. When things are busy I think good airmanship means not wasting time on the runway. That means not taxing to the hold line until you are in all respects ready for takeoff, not dawdling on the runway when you are lined up, and when landing, exiting expeditiously at the first safe taxiway. If you have to taxi along the runway to get to the next exit than use a high speed taxi until you are near the exit. Finally be predictable, if you are going to backtrack, others will assume you are going to the end, so if that is not the plan clearly describe your intentions.