Is ATC Allowed To.. ?

[atl pilot]

Is the remote field a military tower or civie?

 

[HooverPilot]

I'm talking about NALF Fentress next to NAS Oceana. Oceana tower "controls" the field, but its untowered, uncontrolled military.

 

[atl pilot]

Since the ATC facility you are referring to is military, why not have your Commander call the Tower Chief and explain your premise. They may be able to make some internal training and SOP additions to enhance safety and your regular procedures. I would be willing to bet they (the ATC facility) just don't realize the wherfores and whatbins of what y'all need!

 

[HooverPilot]

Gotcha, I appreciate the responses! I'll see how it goes tomorrow.

 

[J3guy]

Yes. An example I gave recenetly on go arounds from a visual apch discussed exactly this. The Tower you are working with may not own the overlying airspace. In this case, they will have a LOA (letter of agreement) with some overlying radar control facility (either a center or approach control). Most of these LOAs are very similiar. If they don't want to send you back out for resequencing with that other facility, and keep you closer in the VFR pattern (which really saves you fuel and time), they fequently will have you squawk stanby and remain in their pattern. This mitigates the need for extraneous coordination with the overlying controlling facility. Would you rather reset your xponder to 1200, or simply sqwak standby (I think the latter is simpler for you and less distraction)? The other option is having to go back out and fly possibly another 10 - 15 miles minimum for resequencing. This technique has been utilized at every FAA and contract VFR ATC Tower I've worked at over the past 22 years. Its not uncommon, is fully legal, and is allowed.

Most GA airplanes do not have TCAS or TCAD (although there are more these days and even a year ago). If the loss of your TCAS function is your concern, tell the copntroller and ask if you may squawk VFR instread of standby. I'd say okay if asked. I merely use the standby vs 1200 b/c its easier for you to do. Remember most controllers do not fly and do not understand whats going on in the airplane. If you need something, then ask for it, but let the controller know why, if its something like this. If you just ask to squawkk 1200, I will proabably say no, without the intel you just provided. I do not know of anyone I work with that would deny your request of this, given the knowledge you've just shared.

I would rather squawk 1200 and keep the tcas ability. Alot of GA aircraft have this ability. Also a lot of GA aircraft have transponders with a VFR button. Push it once and your squawking 1200, that simple. Quite often flying into towered airports (class D) I have had some very close calls. Every bit helps.

 

[Freddie Spencer]

dapilot,

brakes, blown tires and passenger comfort are all my concern being a 121 pilot

...what about if you are not a 121 pilot (beeing a concern)?

 

[dapilot]

if you are not a 121 pilot, then do whatever you want provided YOU own the aircraft and pay for its' maintenance