Safety Spot

At least monthly, I will cover a topic concerning safety. The topics will be taken from firsthand experiences I have had during check rides or other flying. I will also include features on procedures and equipment as they relate to safety. As you know, one of the best ways to learn in aviation is from sharing stories and information. Hopefully, you can gain some useful information from the following narrative. Make a point to check back here for frequent updates as well as other important safety information.
 

The Value of Listening

While conducting a private pilot check ride recently, the importance of listening became a valuable lesson. We completed the oral portion of the exam, and we were ready to go flying. With clear blue sky and calm winds at the uncontrolled field, the roar of a Cessna 182 departing on the nearby runway cut through the mid-morning air. A perfect day to fly. After preflight and engine start, the private pilot applicant turned on the avionics of the Cessna 152. He continued to ready the airplane for taxi as another C-152 in the pattern announced “left downwind runway 22” on the local CTAF for the airport. With a quick glace at the deflated windsock, the pilot hopeful began his taxi….to runway 04. We approached the runway 04 run-up area, as the inbound traffic had now announced “left base runway 22”. Completing the run-up and final checks, the applicant took a deep breath, turned to me and said, “I’m ready”. The timing could not have been more unfortunate. Without hesitation, I indicated this would be a short field takeoff and then on course to your first checkpoint on the cross-country. “Turning final runway 22”, the inbound traffic reported. The applicant noted the time, keyed the mic and announced, “departing runway 04 to the West”. Just as we came up to the hold short line, I told him to stop and asked what runway was being used. The landing traffic called now “short final runway 22” with an obvious tone of concern. Only then did the situation at hand become clear to the applicant. His expression said it all as he sunk into his seat.

Unfortunately, the chance of being a private pilot this day were over. I felt bad at turn of events, but even more concerned as to what potentially could have happened. Whether it is your check ride or not, it pays to be fully in tune with our surroundings as pilots. Just getting in the airplane, checking the windsock, and heading for a runway is not enough at an uncontrolled airport. Our observations for any flight should start much earlier and will clue us into a variety of signs for the upcoming flight. Listening to the radio as soon as we turn it on is one task we should all do. Many of us already make this a common practice, but others need to renew our attention to details when we get ready for the flight. Take the time to listen. It may save you, and others, some explaining some day.