Radio use
 

I expect I am about to be roasted but the question needs to be asked.:)

I fly locally in East Anglia, mostly between 500 and 1500 feet agl, in Class G airspace from a grass strip on the extremity of a local ATZ, 30 miles from the airport.
The aircraft I fly is old and has no electrics or avionics.
The radio is a mounted transceiver with a separate small re-chargeable battery and external aerial.
I use our home frequency to make all airfield calls re take off, circuits and landing then when out of circuit range switch to the local ATZ frequency and listen out, and I always keep a very good look out.

I call other A/G airfields when passing or wish to land etc, and if I were to fly near to an ATZ or a MATZ I would make contact.

I know I am not alone in this, and I don’t believe I am breaking any rules or regulations ,some aircraft e.g. gliders still fly without using radios at all.

Am I being irresponsible, selfish or dangerous?
Lister

You sound very aware. Enjoy your flying! What type as a matter of interest?

2 s

Two sheds,
Piper L4 Cub ,1942,year older than me,still in US Army markings.
A delight to fly a part of our history.
Lister

You're not doing anything wrong in fact, as an ATCO within the "vicinity", I would say you are doing everything that can be reasonably expected of you.
In fact, if it is the a/c I am thinking of (would Baron Von Plunkett be a shareholder?;) ), it's got a remarkably good radio.

Keep up the good work and happy flying!:ok:

Lister Noble,
Sounds fantastic.Great to see a real aircraft still flying,and that's where they belong;In the sky,not in a hangar.
I have an 8ft model of an L4 and it's a delight to fly as well.However the covering is getting a little tired on it so I been thinking about a refurbishment.You've given me an idea for new colour scheme.Have you got any photos.:)

Ahy Noble, what what you've written sounds like your a good sight better than most of the guys we have skirting around our airspace. Keep it up and have fun:D

nik nak
 

In fact, if it is the a/c I am thinking of (would Baron Von Plunkett be a shareholder? ), it's got a remarkably good radio.

Indeed ,the dreaded Von Plunkett is an L4 groupie!
Lister:)

throw a dyce
 

I have an 8ft model of an L4 and it's a delight to fly as well.However the covering is getting a little tired on it so I been thinking about a refurbishment.You've given me an idea for new colour scheme.Have you got any photos.


Only a couple of pics,where are you based as if not too far away you are welcome to visit and look around the aircraft,based near Diss in Norfolk.
If not, I may be able to get a pal to take some and post on Prune.
I'm non digital and not very IT literate!
Lister

Dear Lister Noble...
Agree with what you do. Coincidentally, I'm a Cub pilot (gave up on Tiger Moths as too draughty) and use the radio in much the same way.

Radio is a great help to be warned about other aircraft being around (esp. when in or close to an ATZ).
Having arrived at your post by the link you left elsewhere, I suspect that keeping a good look-out may well also mean having eyes in the back of one's head and under / over one's aircraft.

I can recall times when I couldn't see everyone who called downwind. Once by chance I turned left and saw another aircraft not too far below me directly underneath. Ooops.