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Eight tips to prevent collisions

| July 14, 2020 1:00 AM

In 2019, there were more than 664,000 licensed pilots in the U.S. according to the Federal Aviation Administration. From military hotshots and retired commercial captains to student pilots and off-and-on again recreators like me, their range of skills and experiences are as broad as the shared skies above.

When everybody follows the rules in well-maintained planes, accidents are rare. Even so, mishaps happen. The sun’s glare, unanticipated wind shear, a moment of inattention or factors unknown … and tragedy such as the recent collision over Lake Coeur d’Alene occasionally results.

Before I go further consider this: That’s the exception, not the rule. Flying is still less dangerous than getting in a car, statistically speaking.

According to 2018 figures from the National Safety Council, the average American has a 1 in 102 chance of dying in a car crash, compared to a 1 in 205,552 chance as an airplane passenger.

So if you have the opportunity, don’t pass it up. Flying literally expands your perspective. It has been a wonderful source of growth, peace, inspiration and joy, every single second aloft.

And in Idaho, there are so many runways in stunning settings. Adding up public and private airports, paved tarmac and backcountry grass strips, the total comes close to 300.

Not to mention abundant rivers and lakes for the seaplanes (oh how much fun is a moving runway!). Ours is a popular aviation destination.

So even if you’re not a pilot, you may be a passenger. And no one wants to see another accident. So please bear with me as I share eight tips from former Alaska bush pilot, state trooper, and 44-year aviation veteran and flight examiner Mike Kincaid (whose airborne seaplane photos regularly grace these pages).

To prevent midair collisions, Kincaid and fellow seasoned pilots suggest:

1. Announce position reports — often — by radio on frequency 122.8. When you see another aircraft, attempt to contact the pilot.

2. Equip aircraft with the latest technology. Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) provides electronic position reporting with air traffic control and between aircraft and is relatively cheap to install.

3. Have all your lights on. Wig-wag landing lights are cheap and can be seen from far away.

4. Fly the common right-of-way rules. For example, on Lake Coeur d’Alene, fly the right side of the lake going down and coming back.

5. Have your head on the swivel and raise your wings often to scan for traffic. Brief passengers before each flight on how to spot traffic and how they can help without disrupting the pilot’s duties. Pilots should keep eyes focused outside the cockpit, rather than focusing on the gadgets.

6. Use sunglasses — but not polarized, as glare from other aircraft is not as visible.

7. Keep a clean windshield.

8. During climb-out, make S-turns for improved forward visibility. Climb at a gentle rate to get a better view over the dash.

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” — Leonardo da Vinci

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network and rusty pilot. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.