AOPA recently released a video that contains the audio and video showing the radar on March 21 when on March 21, 2008 a F16 pilot apparently tried to successfully scare the absolute living daylights out of two general aviation pilots flying a Pilatus PC-12 and a Beechcraft Premier. Both aircraft were equipped with a TCAS II system which alerts the pilots and if necessary, provides the pilots with TAs (Traffic Advisories) and if necessary, RAs, or Resolution Advisories. If you have never had the privilege of hearing these sounds, I have provided a sample of what a TA and RA sounds like:

Traffic Advisory

Resolution Advisory

So the question is, which one takes precedence? A Resolution advisory or an ATC clearance?

According to FAR 91.123:

When an ATC clearance has been obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency exists, or the deviation is in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory.

Another question? Is it ok to fly through a MOA? Let’s take a look at our AIM 3-4-5. It says:

Pilots operating under VFR should exercise extreme caution while flying within a MOA when military activity is being conducted.

Another interesting point about this chapter in the AIM concerning MOAs. Did you know that the military aircraft operating in a MOA can be exempt from at least two rules 1) Aerobatic Flight and 2) Speed *they can operate above 250 knots below 10,000 feet* So, although it might be LEGAL to operate in a MOA, doesn’t sound like a real bright idea.

I uploaded the video to my youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/askacfi) but you can’t watch it here too. (thanks to AOPA for the video)

Fly Safe (especially in a MOA)

Once a month in my email inbox I receive a safety bulletin from the NASA aviation safety reporting system, also known as Callback.  It summarizes and highlights selected reports from the NASA reporting forms.  Think of it as a “Not Top-10 Plays” of aviation.  NASA reporting forms is a volunteer system designed for pilots and other flight crew members to report aviation incidents that they have been involved in.  The ASRS monitors these reports to bring out deficiencies in the National Airspace System and training programs.  Also, NASA is obviously very interested in human factors study so this helps that program as well.  If you haven’t heard about the ASRS system, I would encourage you to read more here.

This month’s report was a entitle, “Out of the Ordinary” and made for some interesting reading.  I especially liked the story about the truck on the runway who realized that an airplane had just landed behind him! Reading it, made me think of this infamous video.

I would encourage you to subscribe to and read these reports.  I always learn a lot from reading other people’s mistakes and identifying ways that I could make the similar decisions that lead to these incidents.  Incidents and dangerous situations can and do happen to EVERY pilot and it is important to make sure these don’t lead to accidents.

I would also encourage you to submit NASA reports when incident’s do occur.  As pilots, we are often not fond of admitting our mistakes but it is important that we do, so that the community and regulators can keep an eye on trends in the industry.  NASA reports can help keep your certificate from suspension in very certain circumstances.  If the FAA is investigating a incident that might have resulted from a unintentional regulation violoation and discover that a NASA report was filed you may receive a waiver.  Read Advisory Circular 00-46D and FAR 91.25 for more information.