Jose wrote:

In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In
practice, there is.





As for navigating the roads by air, ever tried it? You can't see the
street signs, you often can't see the streets for the trees (unless you
live in the desert); everything looks different. It can be done; I've
done it, and it's kind of fun, but it's not the cinch you make it out to be.

When you are familiar with an airport, you know where to go by many many
cues (shapes of buildings, light patterns, the pond on the left, the
runup area that's white concrete instead of black tarmac...) these
things are not shown on approach plates.

A real look counts for a lot.


Very nicely written. Makes me feel that flying into a familiar airport
just adds an extra layer to the pilot's situational awareness, when not
in IFR or VMC. Didn't know that you guys verify your position visually
with cues from lakes, buildings, light patterns... no kidding?

Not trying to be derogatory here, but won't flying into an unfamiliar
airport ensure that you check and double-check everything? )

Thanks again Jose,

Ramapriya