On Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:05:18 -0700, Mark Hansen
wrote:

On 07/31/06 11:08, Ed Rasimus wrote:

However, any airspace that permits VFR flight can have aircraft
transitting without ATC clearance in VMC. Aircraft operating under VFR
in VMC are responsible for their own clearance of their flight route.


Actually, *all* aircraft flying in VMC are responsible for "See and Avoid".
This includes aircraft operating under IFR.


Very true. The caution we used to spend a lot of time impressing on
UPT students in the USAF was the idea that just because you are on an
IFR clearance is NO GUARANTEE that you are going to be provided safe
separation from traffic. Your clearance only clears you from other IFR
aircraft and then only when in controlled airspace. The VFR guy can
run into you at his own whim.

But, the point that we are beating here is that see-and-avoid is the
basic responsibility of all players all of the time. High speed
aircraft have high agility, low speed aircraft have lots of time to
look, but regardless of your speed you keep the front of your airplane
cleared using all of the tools available to you.

I had to dig up this old RAF Air Marshall quote: "Aviation in itself
is not inherently dangerous but like the sea, is terribly unforgiving
of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect."

We had it on the wall in pilot training years ago. I've also seen it
in 'chute shops over the door where you head out to the airplanes. And
in USAF Flying Safety Offices.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
www.thunderchief.org
www.thundertales.blogspot.com