stumper question

[UnstableAviator]

Since I just lost my radio (refer to first post), I'd try Comm 2 and watch for the lights when I broke out. After all, I am in a brand new C172 and even the most basic avionics package offered since 1997 has 2 radios.

In all seriousness, I carry a handheld in my bag just incase this situation occurs. I'm more worried about that dang alternator failing when I'm thirty minutes out in IMC and I'm relying on battery power. You can bet I'd be down to the bare minimum of electrical equipment to get there safely.

 

[JimNtexas]

Every airport around here that has pilot controlled lights leaves the lights on low all night.

Are there airports in the U.S. that just turn them completely off?

 

[UnstableAviator]

Are there airports in the U.S. that just turn them completely off?

You bet! I would venture to say most turned them off at night. I guess you could always look at the sectional for an airport without the star next to the L.

 

[skyking1976]

You bet! I would venture to say most turned them off at night. I guess you could always look at the sectional for an airport without the star next to the L.

Alamosa, CO (KALS) is one that goes completely dark. I had stopped there briefly at night and midway during my taxi to the runway the lights went out. Unfortunately the receiver for the PCL is in a bad spot for use on one end of the airport. So, I had to taxi back to get line of sight to the PCL receiver.

SK

 

[FlyChicaga]

Ok, I'm not even going to look up the regs or anything, and just say f*ck it and go straight to the Class B. This is an emergency situation, and therefore you must do what is necessary to ensure the safe conduct of the flight. If you don't think it is an emergency, you are wrong. Lost communications and not knowing what equipment will go next doesn't leave you with many options. If your radios failed, do you even have ILS/VOR capabilities? Or are you just saying you lost the COMM side? If you lost both, well that doesn't leave many options at 800 overcast. Go to Class B, which is a well-populated airport, under the 7600 code so at least there is some assistance available for you. It's only 30 minutes away. Don't burn up that fuel going for a peek at an airport which may be completely unlighted.

There is a point where you'll fly the book right into the ground.

 

[Simon Says]

Talking to a former ATC guy he told me about situations like this. If it is night time and an aircraft squawks 7600 ATC will turn on the lights at your destination airport for you. Plus they will turn the lights on any airport near your destination airport.

If you are VFR at night squawking 1200 and then squawk 7600 ATC will start turning on airport lights in your vincinity. I just thought that was pretty cool.

 

[TonyC]

Talking to a former ATC guy he told me about situations like this. If it is night time and an aircraft squawks 7600 ATC will turn on the lights at your destination airport for you. Plus they will turn the lights on any airport near your destination airport.

Did he explain HOW they would turn on lights at an uncontrolled field?

 

[Ty Webb]

Ok, I'm not even going to look up the regs or anything, and just say f*ck it and go straight to the Class B. This is an emergency situation, and therefore you must do what is necessary to ensure the safe conduct of the flight. If you don't think it is an emergency, you are wrong. Lost communications and not knowing what equipment will go next doesn't leave you with many options. If your radios failed, do you even have ILS/VOR capabilities? Or are you just saying you lost the COMM side? If you lost both, well that doesn't leave many options at 800 overcast. Go to Class B, which is a well-populated airport, under the 7600 code so at least there is some assistance available for you. It's only 30 minutes away. Don't burn up that fuel going for a peek at an airport which may be completely unlighted.

There is a point where you'll fly the book right into the ground.

And there is a point where you are failing to follow an established procedure, which is the other end of that spectrum. Welcome to the world of PIC decision-making.

Lost comm is not an emergency, and there is a procedure to follow. No one said there was an electrical fire or any emergency. Follow the established procedure, unless there is a real emergency.

 

[Simon Says]

Did he explain HOW they would turn on lights at an uncontrolled field?

No, I just assume they called the FBO or just try and tune the frequency. They could even call an aircraft nearby to click them up. I just thought it was kindof neat.

Hey TonyC,
I heard the final report for the 727 accident in Tallahasse is suppose to come out soon. I hope Fred has a plan for insurance. Good Luck to the crew and hope for a positive out come.

 

[TonyC]

Hey TonyC,
I heard the final report for the 727 accident in Tallahasse is suppose to come out soon. I hope Fred has a plan for insurance. Good Luck to the crew and hope for a positive out come.

The "Sunshine Hearing" was yesterday - - News Release is on the NTSB website. ALPA released a response applauding the NTSB's recognition of fatigue as a causal factor, but expressing disappointment that no more was done to explore the deficiencies of the PAPI system covered with early morning dew. The NTSB also blamed the First Officer's colorblindness - - ALPA pointed out that the other two crewmembers saw RED over WHITE, so colorblindness wasn't an issue. Overall, I'd say it looks like the crew has a long road ahead.

As for Insurance, that's not a problem. It seems like it's always a threat that's supposed to make us "straighten up and fly right," but I think it's just a myth.