Eric Greenwell wrote:



It's easier for me to understand the pilot that thinks everyone has a
radio and uses it, than the pilot that doesn't carry a $200 handheld in
his Aeronca for the times he lands at an airport.

Scott, I've some bad news for you: what you fear is already here. Almost
all of us expect pilots to have and use a radio near an airport. Even
the cowboy ultralight guys I know have radios.

If it's the money that stops you from using a radio, tell us how much
you are willing to spend on a radio. I'm sure we can get up a collection
to make up the difference between that and a shiny new handheld.

The radio cost wasn't the issue for me. I had unshielded Eisemann
magnetos. I had a handheld (Icom A-21 Nav/Com) (and still do and USE it
in my Corben). I tested it once with a towered airport and all they got
was ignition noise hash. Now you're getting into BIG bucks to get
shielded mags and harnesses and STC, etc. I maintain my question...why
didn't the guy see me when I was at his 12 )'Clock and about a half a
mile after he made the turn toward me. My Chief was Aeronca Yellow with
Maroon stripe. I should have filled his windshield about the same as he
filled mine. I guess we were even...he expected to hear me and I
expected him to see me.

I had him in sight before I got in the pattern and followed his progress
throughout the pattern. He did surprise me with the left turn, but I
was able to react with enough time to get out of HIS way. His admission
that he NEVER saw me was what disturbed me. I am NOT anti-radio or
anti-transponder. I just worry that people rely on them WAY too much
and let their guard down for that 30 seconds that can lead up to a mid-air.

Scott