Collision Avoidance at Nontowered Airports

Abstract

From January 1 of 1988 to December 31 of 1998 there were an average of 16.9 midair collisions and 17.7 fatalities per year involving general aviation aircraft in the United States (Carter, 1999). In February of 2000 alone there were five midair collisions (NTSB, 2000). Most midair collisions occur in the traffic patterns of non-towered airports and on final approach. What can a general aviation pilot do to reduce the risk of a midair collision at a non-towered airport? What are the FAA’s and Transport Canada’s recommended procedures for traffic patterns? What alternative procedures are currently in use by pilots and are they safe? A review of the regulations, advisories, and various articles on the subject, a survey of flight instructors on the methods taught to enter such patterns, and a discussion of legal precedents and certificate actions will aid the pilot in choosing a method for pattern entry at non-towered airports.