Originally published in 2006
The Golden Rules of Sharing the Sky
- Always allow a minimum of three minutes in trail of significantly larger airplanes. Five minutes is even better.
- Cross the flight path of large aircraft at least 1,000 feet below and note the direction of the wind.
- Fly the upwind side of any large aircraft’s flight path.
- Remember what your instructor always told you about landing alter and rotating before heavy aircraft.
- Enter traffic areas at pattern altitude. Climbing and descending airplanes simply can’t see each other as well.
- Helicopter rotors create some remarkably ugly vortices. Warning: Don’t fly under helicopters – ever!
- When acceptable, ask Air Traffic Control (ATC) for a short approach in lieu of landing behind heavy traffic.
- Every time possible, use the luxury of approach and departure services.
- Alter a controller points out traffic, don’t be shy about asking ATC for updates on the traffic’s location until you’re sure it’s not a factor.
- When arriving or departing, remember you can always ask for more time to allow any hazards to dissipate. One mistake might be all you get.
SOURCE: Plane & Pilot 2005