LOOK before stepping out into the 'danger zone'

Started by Live2Learn, August 21, 2018, 09:51:49 PM

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Live2Learn

https://www.flyingmag.com/ntsb-investigation-near-collision-springfield

This issue of Flying Magazine has a couple really spooky near misses.  The link above is for a near collision between a ground vehicle and a departing RJ full of people.  The RJ had a takeoff clearance, and the ground vehicle was also cleared to occupy the active runway.  Did the cockpit crew LOOK before pushing throttles foward?  Did the driver LOOK before entering the runway?  Does a "clearance" come with a (life-back) warranty?

https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-investigation-drone-helicopter-florida

The other article was built around a video of a very near miss between a cruising helicopter and a hovering drone.  The stationary drone captured some very clear images of the chopper as it passed rapidly below.  Based on structures on the nearby beach front properties the drone was probably at or near the legal maximum altitude of 400'... though it's a stretch to say the operator had a good visual on it.

These two articles with their accompanying videos might generate some good discussion for an aircrew safety meeting, stand down, or whatever.

TheSkyHornet

Looking doesn't necessarily mean seeing.

How many runways have you looked down where you can't see the opposite end, whether due to slopes in the terrain, or mirages? A mile down can be totally obscured.

Now, could it be a factor? Absolutely. But the root cause here is a miscommunication/miscoordination between ground and local controllers.

Live2Learn

Quote from: TheSkyHornet on August 21, 2018, 11:09:45 PM
Looking doesn't necessarily mean seeing.

How many runways have you looked down where you can't see the opposite end, whether due to slopes in the terrain, or mirages? A mile down can be totally obscured.

Now, could it be a factor? Absolutely. But the root cause here is a miscommunication/miscoordination between ground and local controllers.

Maybe.  In these cases there was a tower at both airports.  Now tell me about non-towered airports, or short runway towered fields?  FWIW,  I've flown into more than one towered airport where both ends of the main runway are intervisible.  Even a cursory look at the NTSB db shows examples of fatal runway incursions and oposite direction takeoffs, lots of 'em.  It's better to learn from mistakes of others than to make'em ourself.

TheSkyHornet

Quote from: Live2Learn on August 22, 2018, 03:02:17 AM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on August 21, 2018, 11:09:45 PM
Looking doesn't necessarily mean seeing.

How many runways have you looked down where you can't see the opposite end, whether due to slopes in the terrain, or mirages? A mile down can be totally obscured.

Now, could it be a factor? Absolutely. But the root cause here is a miscommunication/miscoordination between ground and local controllers.

Maybe.  In these cases there was a tower at both airports.  Now tell me about non-towered airports, or short runway towered fields?  FWIW,  I've flown into more than one towered airport where both ends of the main runway are intervisible.  Even a cursory look at the NTSB db shows examples of fatal runway incursions and oposite direction takeoffs, lots of 'em.  It's better to learn from mistakes of others than to make'em ourself.

Oh, absolutely. Situational awareness is a must. Even when you get a clearance, you still visually scan to be certain.

"Cessna XXXXX, on departure fly runway heading to 2,000, then proceed on course. Winds 050 at 3. Runway 6, cleared for takeoff."
"On departure, will fly runway heading to 2,000 then proceed on course. Runway 6, cleared for takeoff, Cessna XXXXX."
*(insert lineup flows) Look left to verify the approach path is clear....spot landing lights....*
"Tower, Cessna XXXXX, looks like an aircraft on final. We're going to hold short here until he's on the ground and clear of the active."
"Cessna XXXXX, roger. We missed that one. Thought he was already down."

It most definitely can happen, especially when you become reliant on someone else's instructions and guidance.