Doug... you are correct about management being able to make your life
easy or not so easy. So it looks like I have a long road to hoe.
I have a request for specific information regarding flying a
motorglider from a single runway airport that has airline traffic. I
have been requested to submit a proposal as to how I would "add a
motorglider to the traffic mix" at a single runway airport that has
local and international airline traffic.
I would greatly appreciate any information that would be helpful
regarding the following:
Examples of Motorglider activity at Towered Airports
Examples of Motorglider activity at a single runway airports
Suggestions on what content to include in a proposal for operating a
motorglider at a single runway airport with a Tower.
My plan of action is to submit a proposal on how I would integrate the
Motorglider to the traffic mix. Then arrange for a demonstration
flight at another airport that is not as busy to at least get things
moving in the right direction.
Kona Airport is Class D Airspace. The FAA folks at FSDO do not believe
that there should be a problem flying there... but the Airport Manager
for my airport has the ability to throw a spanner in the works by
claiming safety or efficient use to try and avoid adding additional
traffic to the mix. In the past they have used that as a hurdle to
jump over for other types of aeronatical activity.
The Airport Manager wants to make it a State Issue and require
airspace studys (read... delay forever) although everything that I can
find about a Federal Funded Airport indicates to me that the FAA has
the final decision. There is a document FAA order 5190.6a that
requires all airports that receive federal funds must allow for all
classes of aeronatical activity and not discriminate. It is a very
helpful reference. One of the few exceptions is for safety and
efficiency. The FAA must then decide of the reasonableness of the
claim of safety and efficency.
The "Tower Guy" on my first call to him regarding the proposed flights
commented "don't bother bringing a motorglider here". So regardless of
the issues that one is going to be an uphill battle. I have had no
luck with talking to the tower.
"Doug Easton" wrote in message thlink.net...
True the rules say if you have an N number you can use the airspace.
However, you'll need access to the airport property with your car and
trailer and you'll need space to rig and de-rig; the airport manager is the
one who can make this easy for you (or difficult). If you **** off the tower
by having to ask for priority or tie up the runway if you can't taxi clear
then I expect that you'll find the airport manager can come up with a bunch
of reasons why you can't get access.
I would recommend starting with a polite visit to the airport manager. Offer
to pay a transient tie down fee for use of the apron while rigging and
de-rigging. Then visit the tower, tell them you have the airport manager's
permission and spend some time discussing how you can fit in with the other
traffic; tell them what the glider can do and what it can't, offer them a
tour of the cockpit. I did this at my local airport and find the tower to be
extremely helpful as a result. I always land in the glider configuration and
have always managed to roll clear without the motor; you might have to
choose a high speed taxiway to avoid a 90deg turn. I have had only a couple
of incidents where I was even slightly uncomfortable; once when asked to
extend downwind way too far and another when asked to go around on short
final, in both instances a simple "unable" was all that was needed to fix
it.
Remember, permission to enter the class D,C or B airspace is not automatic;
you may get "aircraft calling standby" if they're busy. In this case you
need to have a plan of action. Also if you're thinking about landing with
the motor running you should check your flight manual. Mine (DG800B) says
that landing with the engine running is prohibited.
Rgds,
Doug
"BTIZ" wrote in message
news:6RIKb.48286$m83.23774@fed1read01...
Why as permission.. as long as you can handle solo taxi.. (wide enough)
and
don't need a wing walker or runner.. just go..
If you are not familiar with "tower/radio" operations.. maybe a little
dual
in a local flight schools Cessna would be in order. Just to learn the
local
airport, it's quirks, and the landmarks the tower uses to sequence
aircraft.
They may not be to "happy" (oh well) if you come back sans motor from time
to time, they like to be able to "extend downwind, I'll call your base"
and
be able to taxi clear upon landing. Not sitting like a lump on the runway
getting the motor up and running.
Just go do it. Unless this airport has special traffic flow restrictions
because it is "high volume" Like Class B airport. Don't "ask" for what you
already have a right to.
BT
"Steve B" wrote in message
om...
I am kindly requesting any comments or experience with flying a Motor
glider
at an Airport with an Air Traffic Control Tower.
I am in the process of requesting permission to fly at a Towered
Airport
with a Motorglider. Talking to the "Tower guy" has not been easy so
I hope to put together compelling reasons that support the proposed
flights
at the Airport as well as ways to overcome objects that the tower may
propose with regards to the "addition to the traffic mix."
One concern will be Jet Blast. the sailplane that I have is a ASH 26 E
and
comes in at about 1100 lbs ready for takeoff. I would imagine that
spacing
with airliners on the taxi ways and runway similar to that of a J3 cub
or a
Cessna 150 would be adequate.
Another concern will be Wake Turbulence the 18 meter wings do have a
slower roll rate than some of the light aircraft.
Pattern speed for the 26-e (propeller driven) would be 60 to 70 kts. I
would
think this would be similar to other light aircraft as well.
Radio communication is no problem and Transponder is not required.
Taxi ways are ample and the single runway is 11000 ft by 150 ft. so
room is no
problem.
Any experiences, comments or thoughts would be welcome.
Thanks in advance
Steve Barnes