Cloud Flying

T o d d P a t t i s t wrote:

I see where you're going, but would you ask these questions
about airplane traffic that was pointed out? Remember that
the glider is in Class A. Either he's in a wave window
(American's pilot is probably not even familiar with them
unless he's also a glider pilot) and there is an assigned
block of airspace that's being kept clear of other IFR
traffic, or he's on a IFR flight plan and is being treated
like all other IFR traffic. Either way, the controller is
responsible for IFR/IFR separation in the CAAS and there's
no real reason to question the glider's altimeter over that
of any other traffic - is there?

Todd, let's say the heavy airplane pilot, let's call him Clutch, is
issued traffic, another airplane, let's say in the same position as the
glider in F2s' scenario, "11 o'clock and 15 miles'. Clutch would most
likely not say another word, other than "traffic in sight" if he picked
him up visually. Because, both airplanes are equipped with Mode S
xponders, and ACAS II rev. 7 TCAS (traffic conflict alert system)
equipment. They can see each others position relative to their own and
their altitude, and it even tells Clutch whether the other guy is
climbing or descending, on their TCAS. Also both airplanes, in todays
world are most likely RVSM(reduced vertical separation minima)
certified, which means that above Flight level 290, up to, I believe
it's up to FL430 now, we operate with only 1000 foot of vertical
separation between aircraft. To receive that certification the
aircrafts static system, pitot, and even the skin around each of those
items has to pass rigorous tests.

Todd, with regard to your flight where you had 10,000ft separation,
I'm guessing you were flying in a wave window.

Yes.

Would also like to ask if you use a transponder.

No, but there are times I'd like to have one.

Todd, that's why Clutch asked for the thirty degree turn in the
scenario! Thanks for the input! Now snoop is heading to the glider port
to put the glider together for tomorrows fun!





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T o d d P a t t i s t - "WH" Ventus C
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