N8RV
Well Known Member
I didn't know where else to post this, so a forum where the threads are deleted in two weeks seems appropriate. There's likely no lasting value to this post.
Currently there are several safety related threads on VAF in the wake of some RV accidents. We should all strive to not only uphold our VAF and RV families in trying times like these, but strive also to learn from the mistakes of others.
Sometimes we do dumb things with good intentions, and I am no exception. I do strive to be the safest pilot I can be and still have fun flying my RV. I manage my risks and so far, haven't bent the plane or augered in.
However, reading the recent threads have caused me to do some introspection, and part of that is to recount an incident that may have honked off a fellow RVer and an apology is in order.
On my departure from Oshkosh this year, I was following another RV in the conga line (I think it was a -10, but wasn't really paying attention), intent on making sure that he didn't do a run-up while I was directly behind him (he didn't, but the distractions of Oshkosh can make even the best pilots have brain farts). I was directed to the right side of 36L immediately after he began his takeoff roll. When I was instructed to take off, he was well ahead of me and climbing.
Having just read the departure briefing handout, I recalled that it said to make a right turn "as soon as practical" or wording like that, so as I reached a couple hundred feet, I looked to see what the guy in front was doing. He was still climbing out straight ahead.
Since he was still climbing straight ahead and I was inside him and high enough to begin my turn, I began my turn to 150 degrees. As soon as I did, I heard the controller call the guy in front and warn him that "somebody" had turned inside him. Oops.
I noted that he had just begun his turn, so I throttled back and fell in behind him until we were clear of the pattern and then firewalled it. While I was a bit irritated that he hadn't started turning "as soon as practical", I reviewed the NOTAM just now and read that the turn is to begin "abeam the tower." Snap.
I'd have to look around the hangar to see if I kept the departure briefing handout, but I would SWEAR that it said to begin the turn as soon as practical.
So, to the unknown RV driver I inadvertently almost cut off, I offer my sincere apology. Safety took a back seat to following the letter of the instructions -- at least as I understood them -- and that wasn't very bright of me. Expediency is often not the best path in a high-density environment like Oshkosh. One more lesson learned.
I hope that's the last time I do something stupid, but I have a feeling that it won't be ...
[ed. Moved to 'Lessons Learned' section so it can be preserved - great write up Don!!!! dr]
Currently there are several safety related threads on VAF in the wake of some RV accidents. We should all strive to not only uphold our VAF and RV families in trying times like these, but strive also to learn from the mistakes of others.
Sometimes we do dumb things with good intentions, and I am no exception. I do strive to be the safest pilot I can be and still have fun flying my RV. I manage my risks and so far, haven't bent the plane or augered in.
However, reading the recent threads have caused me to do some introspection, and part of that is to recount an incident that may have honked off a fellow RVer and an apology is in order.
On my departure from Oshkosh this year, I was following another RV in the conga line (I think it was a -10, but wasn't really paying attention), intent on making sure that he didn't do a run-up while I was directly behind him (he didn't, but the distractions of Oshkosh can make even the best pilots have brain farts). I was directed to the right side of 36L immediately after he began his takeoff roll. When I was instructed to take off, he was well ahead of me and climbing.
Having just read the departure briefing handout, I recalled that it said to make a right turn "as soon as practical" or wording like that, so as I reached a couple hundred feet, I looked to see what the guy in front was doing. He was still climbing out straight ahead.
Since he was still climbing straight ahead and I was inside him and high enough to begin my turn, I began my turn to 150 degrees. As soon as I did, I heard the controller call the guy in front and warn him that "somebody" had turned inside him. Oops.
I noted that he had just begun his turn, so I throttled back and fell in behind him until we were clear of the pattern and then firewalled it. While I was a bit irritated that he hadn't started turning "as soon as practical", I reviewed the NOTAM just now and read that the turn is to begin "abeam the tower." Snap.
I'd have to look around the hangar to see if I kept the departure briefing handout, but I would SWEAR that it said to begin the turn as soon as practical.
So, to the unknown RV driver I inadvertently almost cut off, I offer my sincere apology. Safety took a back seat to following the letter of the instructions -- at least as I understood them -- and that wasn't very bright of me. Expediency is often not the best path in a high-density environment like Oshkosh. One more lesson learned.
I hope that's the last time I do something stupid, but I have a feeling that it won't be ...
[ed. Moved to 'Lessons Learned' section so it can be preserved - great write up Don!!!! dr]
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