Letters: Radio Woes
Calling on the tower
Thanks to Jill W. Tallman for the article “Radio Woes” in the August 2016 Flight Training magazine. May I ask you to expand on the idea of calling the tower in the event of radio failure? First, where does one get their phone number? It is not listed in the airport/facility directory. Second, assuming it is possible to call the tower, why give them an estimated time of arrival and look for light signals? We are already talking to them. And third, could the phonealso be used for Class B? The regulations require two-way communications; I don’t recall that it has to be via aviation radio.
Bill Clark
Kuna, Idaho
I want to clarify that, when I referred to “calling the tower,” I meant telephoning on the ground before making a flight. That’s why I mentioned getting an estimated time of arrival—you would call the tower before taking off to let them know you are coming. You can find phone numbers for control towers on www.ac-u-kwik.com. (Note: Not all tower phone numbers are listed.) You might also contact flight service for a phone number for the airport control tower you seek. When the federal aviation regulations talk about two-way communications, cell phone usage isn’t explicitly ruled out. However, FCC regulations prohibit the use of a cell phone while in flight, unless you have declared an emergency. —Jill W. Tallman
As seen on Facebook
“On June 22, 2016, after 29 years, three weeks, and 128 hours of flight training—and one failed checkride—I finally became a private pilot! I am proof positive that you can overcome anything if you want something bad enough. My first lesson was on May 31, 1987, at Long Island MacArthur Airport in a Cessna 152.” —Krista Morisen
“Join Elon Aviation, LLC in congratulating one of our newest private pilots, Jon Racke. After just 43 hours of training, he did a fantastic job on his checkride Saturday afternoon. Congratulations, Jon!”
Sign up now for a free Student Trial Membership. Receive six free issues of Flight Training magazine plus free online tools.
How has your family supported your aviation endeavors?
Providing encouragement 42%
Providing financial assistance 4%
Providing training or time for training 1%
Providing the aircraft 1%
More than one of the above 25%
None of the above 25%
Other 2%
Aviation eBrief Poll
