In a previous article, "Gig 601XL Builder" wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net said:
Isn't that what they're there for? I'm based out of a Class D field,
and if I were in that situation (2 minutes on the 45 with a plane on
the upwind, which I've been in more than a dozen times) I sure
wouldn't take it upon me to sequence myself. At the very least, I'd
ask the controller if he wants me in front, or behind the traffic.
Most likely, the controller would make the upwind guy extend his
upwind, then have him follow me.
And what happens if the controllers attention is aimed somewhere else for a
moment or he just plan screws up? It is the pilots responsibility to see
and avoid traffic. I'd do exactly what Andrew suggested.
Class D controllers are not responsible for in-air separation, they're
responsible for runway separation. If you expect them to sort it out for
you, you're basically taunting Darwin.
--
Paul Tomblin
http://blog.xcski.com/
In 1665 Isaac Newton became discouraged when he fell up a flight of
stairs.