ATC's vs TRIKES -DO THEY THINK WE ARE MERE NUISANCES?

[Asterix]

Yup - and I am closing the tpoic of now, unless somebody wants to add something? (Before I REALLY go for that cup..)

[JCH]

Yup - and I am closing the tpoic of now, unless somebody wants to add something? (Before I REALLY go for that cup..)

Hi boet,
I've only now seen and read all the comments on this topic.
Any chance of getting the Youtube link back? See you have removed it...

I would rather hear a guy making 50 calls on his 30 minute flight than not at all, and then all of a sudden you spot the "silent one" crossing your flight path 100ft below.

As Bugwar mentioned - put ATC in a trike in a bit of turbulence and I would happily talk to him from his seat in the tower.
We do lack the exposure to controlled air space but thanks for placing this so that we can get some positive suggestions like contacting the tower(s) in advance.

We can do with some practice.
Lets arrange to fly in a group to Wonderboom or Rand one Saturday morning for breakfast. (Remember the landing fees )
Obviously as suggested with ATC's prior knowledge and in the process get some exposure.

[Tailspin]

Yup - and I am closing the tpoic of now, unless somebody wants to add something? (Before I REALLY go for that cup..)

Hi boet,
We can do with some practice.
Lets arrange to fly in a group to Wonderboom or Rand one Saturday morning for breakfast. (Remember the landing fees )
Obviously as suggested with ATC's prior knowledge and in the process get some exposure.

There are microlights that Fly into Rand i have seen them while having a brekkie there.
They have no problems and the ATC is very happy to accomodate them.
But yes it would be nice to fly in there for a breakfast

[skybound®]

The best thing is to remember ATCs are humans

One of the easiest ways to make them human in your eyes, and not an intimidator, is to get together with them and share a beer or two. Yes they do drink beer.

We try to get our ATCs together for a braai with our club at least once per annum and it really makes all the difference. It helps build rapor, breaks down intimidating barriers, and if you are good with voices and you get to recognise an ATCs voice when making contact - mention their name and you will be surprised on what the outcome is.

We also have a representative who attends the local, quarterly ATNS (ATC) meeting, and this gives us the time to sort out issues before they become a problem.

Our rapor had got to a level a few years ago, where trikes were based at PE airport. Factors like cost and increased traffic has made it not an option any longer - but the point is - ATCs were great to us.

When you mention that the CTR was umnaned, was it out of operational hours, or how did you know it was umnaned? (Sorry cant access clip from work)

[Splinter]

I quickly flew down to Nelspruit on Sunday and returned on Monday. Flying in and out I was in the Kruger CTR with no transponder and the ATC was very accommodating even though the air was very busy! Think you just caught the ATC on a bad day! Generally the ATC`s are nice fellows!

[James Bentley]

Just seen this thread now, pity you have taken the link away as I would have like to have seen it

you guys flew right past my front door

the Maritzburg ATC are normally very accommodating and I am sorry that you had a bad experience

on weekends there is a constant stream of LSA aircraft and trikes passing through their area so they are used to us slower guys, the only time when it gets a little busy/difficult to accommodate a routing is when Airlink is inbound or outbound and the tower can be a little abrupt (perhaps this is too harsh a word) but they are only doing their job... I have only had good experiences and co-operation

Next time you may be in the Midlands/Berg areas contact me and I can give you all of the latest information on the best way to transit through PMB and please call in to our airfield

James

[vernon11]

Oribi, has nothing on EVA'S.
Vernon.

[Asterix]

Hi James (strangely, I am also James!)

Will keep in mind next time we come down there! I removed the Youtube video after a week - I felt that it had enough exposure! (Don't want to get called in for tea a year from now!)

[cliffdupreez]

Hi. I hope you Guys can help me or point me in the right direction. I want to fly down to Ballito for December holidays with a Gyro from Petit airfield near Benoni. Do you know where the closest airfield is to Ballito and who I can can speak too to find a space to hanger. Thanks Cliff 0766633205

[vernon11]

Contact Bret Hill At Ballito. 0828918016
Vernon