On Wednesday, January 23, 2013 2:23:14 PM UTC-6, wrote:
On Wednesday, January 23, 2013 2:08:03 PM UTC-5, Sean F (F2) wrote: I am a big fan of team flying in the US rules. However, flying in complex contest environments with multiple frequencies warrants some additional precautions and responsibilities that contest management and team flying pilots should be required to follow... 1) Contest manager's/directors should find (and confirm before each year's contest) a number of team frequencies as part of their preparation for the contest. Perhaps only 5-8 are needed even for a large event like Perry or Nationals to begin with. These frequencies should be provided to those wishing to team fly on a first come first serve basis. A limited number of team channels would be smart at first. Letting team contest pilots pick their own "willi-nilli" frequency is asking for trouble. These frequencies should be published (part of the pilots kit) so other pilots can identify the frequencies other teams might be on in an emergency or for a special circumstance (freq sheet carried in cockpit or published on task sheet). 2) In combination with "1)", it should be required that team flying pilots with assigned team frequencies must have a second radio (handheld) and monitor 123.3 while on the team channel during the task. This is a simple, very low cost communication solution which eliminates various "team's" from being oblivious to the other pilots around them if communication is necessary. It is the only responsible way to fly as a team on a separate frequency in my opinion. If this rule not complied with, then team flying privileges should be revoked from that team. Perhaps only one glider of the pair needs the handheld, but some basic form of 123.3 monitoring must be required. Sean F2 Monotoring the contest frequency is a really good idea, but how would that ever be enforced? Can you advise frequencies you think would be usable. I know of 123.3, 123.5, and 122.75 as being legal. Where would we get other legal frequencies? The devil is in the details. UH

i believe 122.85 is also good for air-to-air? otherwise to be proper you'll need to contact the FCC.