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Author Topic: Head-On: Arrival vs Departure  (Read 10194 times)

Offline dperlich

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Head-On: Arrival vs Departure
« on: July 19, 2016, 10:28:48 AM »
Several years ago, while working out on the ramp, I observed a Coast Guard P-3 Orion taking off on Runway 14 while at the same time there was a C-7 about ¾ to ½ mile out on final for Runway 32.  With about ¼ mile of separation between the two, the P-3 had to aggressively work East to avoid a collision.  I'm not a pilot and have no experience in aviation, but this looked like a risky setup by the tower - or am I wrong?



Offline w0x0f

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Re: Head-On: Arrival vs Departure
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2016, 04:41:41 PM »
You are not wrong

Offline vibratingstring

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Re: Head-On: Arrival vs Departure
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2016, 02:30:29 PM »
I learned to fly at a grass field (Oxford, PA, now closed) that was steeply sloped down to the south with several humps along the way.   When the wind was not strongly favoring the north runway or the south runway, we took off downhill and landed uphill.    It was an interesting experience to have to check the end of downwind, around the bass leg and final for traffic landing opposite to your pending departure.    This was routine, so local pilots knew the drill.   By the way, we said "...departing to the north" or "departing to the south", not "36" or "18".

The crossing runway along the top of the hill was 2000' with powerlines at the east end and trees at the west end.   So needless to say, we used that ONLY when there was a significant east or west wind, otherwise, the C-150 trainer might not clear the obstacles......and I came close more than once.   It teaches you something.

Larry