On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:45:03 GMT, wrote in
:

Of course, this is a non-issue for IFR flights and those receiving
Radar Traffic Advisory Service from ATC.

Though in some places it is a very good ideo to have flight following,
one can fly for hours in the basin without turning on the radio.


One can indeed, but that doesn't necessarily make it a good idea or
responsible. Such generalizations, without specifics such as location,
altitude, aircraft type, ..., aren't too useful.

Personally I always burn a landing light and receive Radar Traffic
Advisory Service within 100 miles of Los Angeles. I've personally
seen a lot of traffic that didn't see me, and that drives a stake
through the heart of the Big Sky Theory for me. A prudent pilot needs
to employ all the eyeballs, equipment, and services available to him
if he intends to escape being labeled as negligent.