Relieving pressure in the pattern
My instructor isn't teaching me to use trim in the airport traffic pattern. In fact, he seldom mentions trimming at all. Is it important?
Thanks,
Mr. R.
Greetings Mr. R:
No trim? That's grim. Is your instructor trying to help you develop your biceps? Is he trying to pump you up, like a flat tire? Trim is extremely important! Every pilot should learn to use trim, and every pilot should use trim -- all the time! Without trim, you're constantly fighting with the airplane, which is bigger than you are. The only time you won't use trim is when you're in outer space, and production general aviation airplanes can't climb that high (no matter what the airplane salesman tells you). There's no reason to avoid using trim in the pattern, or anywhere else for that matter. Ask your instructor to show you how to use the trim control, and then put it to work for you. And tell your instructor to trim and bear it.
Light gun signals
Dear Rod:
A friend and I are CFIs, and we were asked about light gun signals. The question that got me was, "When you're airborne and receive a steady red light signal, where do you circle?" This stumped me, because the regulations say to continue circling. But where? Do you stay in the pattern, fly downwind, turn base, enter final and then go around and fly upwind? Maybe you can help us understand what the regs mean here.
Greetings:
In the air, a steady red light means to stop your progress toward the airport by giving way to other aircraft, and continue circling. So you'd circle no closer than you were when you received the red light, and maneuver to remain clear of other aircraft.
If you receive a steady red light while aloft, it's usually because you're entering Class D or Class C airspace without a functioning radio, in VFR conditions. Hopefully you'll be squawking 7600. If the controller observes you entering the pattern, but it isn't an appropriate time for you to do so, he or she will shoot a red light at you (yes, the controller might make the sound of a Star Trek phaser with each pull of the trigger, which is allowed and encouraged by other controllers).
Getting the old red eye is just one reason you should always keep an eye on the tower when entering the pattern with an inoperable radio. If you're receiving red, remain clear of pattern traffic and circle where you won't disrupt the flow of traffic. It might even be wise to circle above the traffic pattern altitude, to help prevent any traffic conflict.
On the other hand, with an inoperable radio you'd want to remain close enough to the tower to see the next light gun signal. If the tower controller didn't want you to land at that airport he'd give you a flashing red light, meaning that the airport was unsafe and you shouldn't land (no, it doesn't mean a short in the light gun's wiring, either).
A/FD or chart?
Dear Rod:
I'm a student pilot planning a flight from Burlington, Vermont, to Springfield, Massachusetts. I am confused about something. According to the Airport/Facility Directory, the frequency for Bradley Approach Control is 125.35 MHz. According to the sectional chart, which is current, Bradley Approach is 127.8 MHz. Which one should I use?
Greetings:
The Airport/Facility Directory is issued every 56 days. Sectional charts are issued every six months. When there's a change in something on a sectional chart, that change is published in the rear of the A/FD. Then, when the next revision of the sectional chart takes place, all the changes in the A/FD are incorporated on the chart and removed from the next publication of the A/FD. So the answer to your question is, use the A/FD for the most current information. And don't forget to check notices to airmen, which are the most current source of any changes.
Intimidating examiners
Dear Rod:
I'm nearly ready for the private pilot practical test and could use your advice to help me cope with the stress. Is use of intimidation or finding a person's breaking point the norm during a checkride? I ask because as my CFI was prepping me he said, "When he [the FAA examiner] starts yelling at you...." It was not if, but when. Is instilling a bit of fear part of the exam itself-a sort of test to see how much you can handle should it ever come to that? I'm just curious and wanted to hear your thoughts.
Thanks much,
Don
Greetings Don:
The first thing you need to do is find out if your instructor was really talking about this specific examiner, or just engaging in a bit of CFI hyperbole. Some CFIs get carried away trying to convince students how demanding the examiner will be. It's likely that the examiner may attempt to distract you at some point during the flight test, to make sure you stick to your piloting tasks, but this should not be done through screaming.
If this person does indeed have a reputation for yelling at applicants, then my advice is to fly with another FAA examiner, even if you have to travel some distance to do so. The use of intimidation to generate fear and find a person's breaking point has no place in any general aviation cockpit. You're earning a simple private pilot certificate here, not attempting to qualify for the Elite Special Forces -- Aviation Division.
Any FAA examiner who yells at you as a standard part of the checkride should be ashamed of him- or herself. In my book this would be considered an inexcusable abuse of position and power. I can't think of a more unprofessional act to foist on someone who is trying to do his or her best in a very demanding situation. The fact that you would pay for the abuse makes the situation all the more despicable.
Personally, I wouldn't even take a chance of being in the same cockpit with someone like this. There are many wonderful FAA designated examiners around the country who are fair, reasonable, and courteous. If you have no choice but to fly with "old yeller" and he yells at you, then please complain to the FAA about his behavior.
Rod Machado is a flight instructor, author, educator, and speaker. A pilot since 1970 and a CFI since 1974, he has flown more than 8,000 hours and owns a Beech A36 Bonanza. Visit his Web site.
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