Scared of mid-airs

On Tue, 01 Aug 2006 19:08:28 GMT, Larry Dighera
wrote:

On Tue, 01 Aug 2006 18:06:32 GMT, Ed Rasimus
wrote in
::

You might note that military aircraft are already squawking Modes 1,
2, 3, 4 and C.

For some reason, I hadn't appreciate the fact that military aircraft
were squawking Mode C until I read that.

Wonder how you missed that.

An experienced fighter pilot once uttered these words of wisdom:

For instance, a pilot who has no fear of a mid-air is an idiot.
A pilot who flies without being constantly aware that he/she is
the main aspect of the mid-air avoidance equation is misguided.
--Dudley Henriques

I've known and corresponded with Dudley for many years. He is a highly
experienced pilot with lots of hours in a lot of types of aircraft,
including a lot of flight test time and aerial demo experience. I
respect him highly and hope he will not take offense if I point out
the one detail. Mr. Henriques is not "an experienced fighter pilot."


Given the fact that the ATC trainee failed to broadcast the traffic
alert to the Cessna pilot in Florida, it would seem that it may be the
GA aircraft that needs to be equipped with TCAS. That might be the
easiest and most effective solution to the issue of MTR deconfliction.
Have I overlooked anything (beside the cost)?

When Lockheed-Martin and Boeing finally automate US ATC at some future
date, the whole subject will be rendered moot, as the computer will
'see' a fast-mover on a low-level MTR, and instantly route conflicting
aircraft away without the military informing FSS of MTR activity or
anything. We can dream ...

Reminds me of the old joke about the "fully automated airliner".
"Nothing can go wrong...go wrong...go wrong..."

Reread what Dudley said. "A pilot who flies without being constantly
aware that he/she is the main aspect of the mid-air avoidance equation
is misguided."

That won't change one bit with a futuristic automated system.


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