Originally Posted by 27/09
Just like I've lost count of the number of totally useless radio calls to "XXX" traffic when the aircraft is no where close to, and not even likely to get close to, that airfields circuit area. A waste of breathe and clutters up the frequency.
I think FL440 was trying to make a point about unnecassary verbal diarrhoea that occurs when some pilots use the radio. CTC are not the only ones.
I take your point about unannounced arrivals at an airfield and if the aircraft is fitted with a radio it should be used, and the pilot making the appropriate calls. Last time I looked it was not a requirement for an aircraft to have a radio when operating at an unattended airfield outside on an MBZ. VFR flying is see and be seen, which mean not relying on the radio for your lookout.
I remember reading in my PPL texts that you are not required to make a position and intentions call to an uncontrolled airfield if you are more than 1000 feet higher than the circuit height when you pass over. Some overseas readers may not realize that NZ only has 1 frequency for it's extensive areas of Class G airspace (MBZ and CFZ's not withstanding) and on fine days it can get quite busy, so comm brevity and using it only when needed are quite important considerations.
But as 27/09 alludes to, they are certainly not the only ones. When two local pilots use the Class G frequency to have a conversation about their evenings drinking arrangements, I feel like reaching across the ether and knocking some sense into them.