Do you make radio calls even if you are the only one in the traffic pattern?

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by axlr8r

this is a problem ?? Can't count the number of times I've received answers to this question from aircraft that had not previously announced their arrival or departure.

AIM Section 4-1-9:

g. Self-Announce Position and/or Intentions

1. General. Self-announce is a procedure whereby pilots broadcast their position or intended flight activity or ground operation on the designated CTAF. This procedure is used primarily at airports which do not have an FSS on the airport. The self-announce procedure should also be used if a pilot is unable to communicate with the FSS on the designated CTAF. Pilots stating, "Traffic in the area, please advise" is not a recognized Self-Announce Position and/or Intention phrase and should not be used under any condition.


http://aeromanual.com/AIM_4-1-9

[blackbeard10]

NEVER ASSUME

[cfiidon]

Originally Posted by axlr8r

this is a problem ?? Can't count the number of times I've received answers to this question from aircraft that had not previously announced their arrival or departure.

Yes, it is considered superfluous. If you announce your position and intentions, it is understood (and implied) that anyone in the pattern should announce theirs. If they don't, "any traffic... Advise" won't make them talk either.

Don

[rv8ch]

I can't really think of a good reason to not announce as recommended by the AIM. Most UNICOM/CTAF record all transmissions. I often think about how the NTSB report will read if I don't announce and have a midair.

[BobTurner]

Answer: yes.
Comments:
1. Please include the airport name in your calls. Even though there are more frequencies available these days than 122.8, it drives me crazy to hear someone announce "downwind for runway 30" and I cannot find him, only to figure out that he is at another airport 50 miles away. Side note: the multiple frequencies increase the chance that someone is on the wrong one. Keep looking!
2. IFR approaches: please do not say "5 miles out on the vor alpha Tracy". Half or more of the pilots in the pattern will have no idea where you are. Say "5 miles east of Tracy"
3. The "anyone around please advise" drives me crazy, as does idle chatter discussing the restaurant food. Again, you may be blocking communications at another airport some distance away.

[David Paule]

I have from time to time asked other aircraft, "What are your intentions?" About half the time they are dumbfounded by the question and appear to have no intentions.

Also, when I deem it necessary I'll ask pilots to slow down what they say, because a lot of pilots rattle off their message so quickly it's indecipherable.

And once in a while I'll depart from the approved jargon to say something or ask a question in plain English. If it's not too busy this works pretty well. If it is busy this takes too long.

Dave

[RV8R999]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

Answer: yes.
Comments:
1. Please include the airport name in your calls. Even though there are more frequencies available these days than 122.8, it drives me crazy to hear someone announce "downwind for runway 30" and I cannot find him, only to figure out that he is at another airport 50 miles away. Side note: the multiple frequencies increase the chance that someone is on the wrong one. Keep looking!
2. IFR approaches: please do not say "5 miles out on the vor alpha Tracy". Half or more of the pilots in the pattern will have no idea where you are. Say "5 miles east of Tracy"
3. The "anyone around please advise" drives me crazy, as does idle chatter discussing the restaurant food. Again, you may be blocking communications at another airport some distance away.

And watch out for pilots are have been so easily driven crazy

[roee]

Yes, I follow all the standard procedures for an uncontrolled airport, including making all the standard radio calls, even if I think there's no one else around. Not doing this could easily lead to conflict between two aircraft who are both unaware of each other.

[BobTurner]

Yes, perhaps I need to lighten up! I put this in the same catagory as pilots calling ATC and ending their transmission with "request". Of course you have a request, why else are you calling? I know some controllers take it in stride, while others are clearly put off.

[rgmwa]

Yes, because it's standard procedure, and it increases my chances of avoiding the two percent who don't (according to the poll).