(Ron Lee) wrote
I use visual, onboard traffic detector and approach/center to improve
my chances. Not one is infallible. But the combination of all three
is better than any one alone.

I suppose that it is a miracle that I am still here. I learned to fly
way back in 1958....no RADAR, no transponders, no traffic detectors,
and no use of radio. At precisely 0800 hours every morning, we launched
15-20 T-34s into the skies around NAS Saufley Field, Florida with nary
a radio call being made. Exactly 1.3 hours later, they all returned and
landed, again, without a single radio transmission. The Tower and all
aircraft were radio equipped and monitored, but not used. Saufley Tower
played no part in the departure and arrival of local training flights.
This same scenario was repeated every afternoon. At NAS Whitting Field,
the situation was much the same only with 20-30 T-28s launching and
retrieving at the same time twice-a-day.
Following prescribed procedures, using good visual scanning techniques,
and lots of clearing turns while in the practice areas did a completely
adequate job of keeping us all separated.
Never used the radio once during 115 hours of T-34/T-28 flying in a very
concentrated flight training area.

Bob Moore