Featuring Wally Moran -
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Bob:
"What is a good airman looking
for now as they take the active? You're cleared, onto the runway."
Wally:
"There are two things you
should be thinking of, at least. Take a look at that windsock. That's the
best indicator of the wind you're going to have on your takeoff, and it's
usually very close to the end of the runway.
And of course, I always check for traffic on final. Controllers can make
mistakes just like pilots can. Now, once you're cleared for takeoff, be sure
you're ready to go. Sitting out on the runway is not a good place to be
rearranging our charts or winding our clock or scratching our nose. Be ready
to go before you call that guy so when he does clear you for takeoff, you
can get out there and go. We don't want to be sitting on that runway any
longer than we have to."
Bob:
"And you talk about talking on
the radio. How about listening on the radio? You know, if you've been
cleared for takeoff, and somebody else has been cleared to land…these things
happen. There was a horrific accident out in Los Angeles several years ago.
You know, the poor pilot was struck as he was sitting on the runway, and it
wasn't his fault. But he did have the opportunity to listen to the Tower -
and so situational awareness, what's going on around me - certainly does
affect you and we can't be myopic as we're taking the runway for takeoff."
Wally:
"That's for sure. I don't like
to be in position and holding any longer than I have to with my back to the
traffic. Therefore, if you're ready to go when you tell the guy in the
tower, you'll be able to roll out and complete that takeoff quickly and
reduce the opportunities for those kinds of runway incursions."
Next week's tip: preparing for a
long cross-country trip
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