I respectfully disagree. Power pilots as well as glider pilots should be using the radio. Although all the details may not be in, it appears the California tow and glider pilot were observing the same rule, left and right traffic patterns. Best we look and talk in the pattern, announcing, at the very least our downwind entrance. Although not mandatory, it's a good idea to communicate. HH is a bit usual, since we are in a controlled airspace and use two frequencies, Elmira tower 121.1 MHZ and HH 123.3. We have established the rule to talk to Elmira tower crossing the east-west corridor. Using the radio, if possible, to announce your intentions just adds to a safe operation.
I might humbly add that i have screwed up on a couple of occasions landing and taking off in my 180 but I always talk to Elmira tower and Elmira departure/arrival. I should also clear on 123.3 on take off. I usually announce my arrival on 123.3, "Harris Hill traffic, Cessna 2597K entering left downwind, landing to the south" A couple of months ago I took off to the north while an ASK-21 was landing. I noticed him as I was on the roll and stayed to the east side of the runway, however, it could have been a problem if I didn't see him. I also understand that all club ships may not have radios, but if they do we should use them the landing pattern and on tow if necessary.
Thanks, Moses Acee KLM-Garner, Inc. 4779 Clinton Street Clark Mills, NY 13321 315-853-6126 Phone 315-853-3011 Fax moacee@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx On Dec 1, 2009, at 8:35 PM, Michael Randolph wrote:
With respect, the tow pilots using radios does us no good if all the sailplanes aren't also always using radios in the pattern. We do keep the sailplane and towplane traffic patterns separated at Harris Hill and reducing the risk of mid-air collisions is a key part of the reason for that practice.mike randolph----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark & Rebecca Feher" <mfeher@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >To: <rogden2@xxxxxxxxxxx> Cc: <hhsc1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 7:56 PM Subject: Re: Midair in the patternI really think the tow pilots should be using radios - not only as a way of communication as to what is going on on the field and air but also as well as a communication standpoint between glider and tow pilot. If a glider has a release issue or feels they are being towed too fast there is no way of communicating that to the tow pilot other than through the standard "wing waggle". From the standpoint of the 1-26, I don't feel the tow pilot will realize I have an issue with release or speed - no offense tow pilots.Just a thought... Becky Feher ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ron Ogden" <rogden2@xxxxxxxxxxx> To: hhsc1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxSent: Monday, November 30, 2009 8:05:14 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada EasternSubject: Midair in the patternIf you haven't heard yet there has been another glider vs. towplane midair out West. I am sending this to ask all pilots in the club to please access rec.aviation.soaring and read the report of how it happened and reflect onthe similar conditions that affect HH i.e. intersecting base legs. P/S And I know it sound wierd to add a p.s. to such a grim event as Imentioned above, but I want to say many many thanks to everybody who helped make the Snowbird a success this year and for the really great honor of being given the Senior Member award this year, for which I am very grateful.But I'll be even more grateful if you read about this terrible accident andplease be careful in the pattern, especially on base leg. Ron Ogden - - - - - - - - - - - - -To send a message to all HHSC subscribers, simply address an e-mail to "hhsc1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx". This list is not totally private, as web- searchable archives remain on-line indefinitely. For e-mail address changes or deletion from this e-mail list, contact "webmaster[at_sign]harrishillsoaring.org".Also, see the HHSC calendar at http://www.calsnet.net/hhsc - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -To send a message to all HHSC subscribers, simply address an e-mail to "hhsc1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx". This list is not totally private, as web- searchable archives remain on-line indefinitely. For e-mail address changes or deletion from this e-mail list, contact "webmaster[at_sign]harrishillsoaring.org".Also, see the HHSC calendar at http://www.calsnet.net/hhsc - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - To send a message to all HHSC subscribers, simply address an e-mail to "hhsc1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx". This list is not totally private, as web-searchable archives remain on-line indefinitely. For e-mail address changes or deletion from this e- mail list, contact "webmaster[at_sign]harrishillsoaring.org". Also, see the HHSC calendar at http://www.calsnet.net/hhsc- - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - To send a message to all HHSC subscribers, simply address an e-mail to "hhsc1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx". This list is not totally private, as web-searchable archives remain on-line indefinitely. For e-mail address changes or deletion from this e-mail list, contact "webmaster[at_sign]harrishillsoaring.org". Also, see the HHSC calendar at http://www.calsnet.net/hhsc
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