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Slippers
26th Apr 2001, 13:25
I was reading my copy of the April CHIRP this morning and one particular sentence caught my eye in 'Clearance Confusion' on page 7: "We were aware on TCAS of an aircraft at about 10 miles on finals and we watched the preceeding landing traffic vacate the runway". I wonder whether the 'knowledge' that there was a 10 mile gap contributed to the mistake being made, by subconsciously leading the pilots to believe that this was obviously when they were going to get away.

My point is that think very carefully about using TCAS for anything other than it's intended purpose, as it can sometimes give a false sence of security. For example there are times when non-squawking aircraft do fly within UK controlled airspace. It's rare but it does happen and TCAS offers no information on such traffic, as a couple of Britannia pilots know all to well.

Hugh Jarse
30th Apr 2001, 14:23
And there are also times when squawking traffic are not displayed (even when within the mode parameters selected)due to the idiosyncrasies of the airborne equipment.

You have to remember that it is only a tool to enhance your awareness (unless of course you get an RA!)

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Dyslexics of the world untie!

Shore Guy
30th Apr 2001, 17:20
What is "CHIRP"?

Flap 5
30th Apr 2001, 17:27
I agree that you have to use the TCAS information with caution. But I disagree with your implication that you shouldn't use it to improve your situational awareness.

swashplate
30th Apr 2001, 18:01
Shore:

Confdential Human factors Incident Reporting Programme

....I think!!!!

Allows aircrew to report incidents in aviation w/o fear of RETRIBUTION!!!!!

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Live long and Prosper.....