Video for the flight instructors.

[CAP1]

I don't think there is any logic.

All I know is at this particular field, most small planes turn base to final right behind the hospital, this guy always flies a bit wider downwind, and goes at least a half mile further.  I had the chance to fly in a WWII bomber (PV-2 Harpoon) there, and they flew a slightly shorter final then he does.

Also I think he talks way to much on the radio, it is an uncontrolled field, but he calls out his position like every 20 seconds starting 10 miles out I swear.  Granted I'm not a pilot yet, so I don't know the exact regs, but he seems excessive, he honesty makes 4 times as many radio calls as anyone else I've heard there.

I think he's just a quirky old man.  I met him while doing a 100hr on his plane, he just seemed odd.

i self anounce when on the 45 for the downwind, then when i enter downwind, then base, then final. i try to keep em short and clear. i want everyone/anyone to know what i am, and where i am.

[MachFly]

Since we're on this topic; does anyone here say their tail number in the pattern?
Just curious.

[CAP1]

Since we're on this topic; does anyone here say their tail number in the pattern?
Just curious.

my first instructor wanted that.

 my calls used to be "flying w traffic, skyhawk 46 foxtrot whisky entering right downwind for 01, flying w.  to me, being brand new, it didn't seem that bad really.
 then, as my primary instructor was hired away, and i changed from the "W" to ken marsons on south jersey regional, in order to fly with one or our cap cfi's, he explained to me why the tail number is usless, and it took up more air time than necessary on the radio.

 when another pilot is looking for you in the pattern, he doesn't give a dam about the tail number, and most likely won't have an angle to see it.....most important, is for other pilots to know what they're looking for, and where. once i stopped using the tail number, i then realized just exactly how long it really was taking me to use the tail number.

[MachFly]

my first instructor wanted that.

 my calls used to be "flying w traffic, skyhawk 46 foxtrot whisky entering right downwind for 01, flying w.  to me, being brand new, it didn't seem that bad really.
 then, as my primary instructor was hired away, and i changed from the "W" to ken marsons on south jersey regional, in order to fly with one or our cap cfi's, he explained to me why the tail number is usless, and it took up more air time than necessary on the radio.

 when another pilot is looking for you in the pattern, he doesn't give a dam about the tail number, and most likely won't have an angle to see it.....most important, is for other pilots to know what they're looking for, and where. once i stopped using the tail number, i then realized just exactly how long it really was taking me to use the tail number.

Flying W = N14? I been there a few weeks ago, nice place.

I agree with the idea of not saying tail numbers, but when there are two aircraft in the pattern with the same name the tail number becomes important. The majority of the people I see in untowered patterns though do say their tail number all the time.

[colmbo]

when another pilot is looking for you in the pattern, he doesn't give a dam about the tail number, and most likely won't have an angle to see it.....most important, is for other pilots to know what they're looking for, and where. once i stopped using the tail number, i then realized just exactly how long it really was taking me to use the tail number.

It takes almost no time to say the last 3 of your tail number.  I agree that folks look for aircraft type, but if there's more than one Belchfire 400 in the pattern they need to know which one to talk too. 

[MachFly]

It takes almost no time to say the last 3 of your tail number.  I agree that folks look for aircraft type, but if there's more than one Belchfire 400 in the pattern they need to know which one to talk too. 

I guess it just depends on how common is your aircraft type. I don't remember the last time I said my tail number (at an untowered field), I'm sure when you were flying the B-17 you were not saying your tail number either, right?

[CAP1]

Flying W = N14? I been there a few weeks ago, nice place.

I agree with the idea of not saying tail numbers, but when there are two aircraft in the pattern with the same name the tail number becomes important. The majority of the people I see in untowered patterns though do say their tail number all the time.

 for more than one aircraft, if i see 1 in front of me, then i add "#2 on downwind", or whatever leg i'm on.

 i like the "W". when i fly there at night though, i totaly ignore the vasi on 01.....i can't see the trees there at night, so i fly a higher, steeper final.

[CAP1]

It takes almost no time to say the last 3 of your tail number.  I agree that folks look for aircraft type, but if there's more than one Belchfire 400 in the pattern they need to know which one to talk too. 

 #2 in line. 

[colmbo]

I guess it just depends on how common is your aircraft type. I don't remember the last time I said my tail number (at an untowered field), I'm sure when you were flying the B-17 you were not saying your tail number either, right?

We always used the tail number.  It's a requirement when using the radio to use your call sign. 

[icepac]

If I didn't fly out of the no-tower field I am landing, I get an airport advisory at 5 miles out on unicom.

Then I announce the 45 to downwind.

More than once, I have landed downwind and find the tetrahedron stuck in place by vegetation pointing the wrong way.

[MachFly]

We always used the tail number.  It's a requirement when using the radio to use your call sign. 

At untowered airports?

[CAP1]

he may mean a company policy.

 i believe it is not required at non-towered airports.

[MachFly]

he may mean a company policy.

 i believe it is not required at non-towered airports.

I'm 100% sure it's not required for non-towered airports, but I think Colmbo might be talking about towered.

[CAP1]

I'm 100% sure it's not required for non-towered airports, but I think Colmbo might be talking about towered.

good possibility. that's the only time i use tail number........but i've probably got less than 2 dozen times i've flown into or out of a towered airport.

[MachFly]

good possibility. that's the only time i use tail number........but i've probably got less than 2 dozen times i've flown into or out of a towered airport.

Yeah I don't go there that often either.

Last time I been to one they did not have fuel for me