CAA: GA News, "Let's be realistic: Planes must ascend and descend"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxx>]

Sunday, August 10, 2003

Commentary
Let's be realistic: Planes must ascend and descend
The Fredericksburg (VA) Free Lance-Star


Ted Parks recently wrote about pilots from the Stafford airport flying too
low ["Pilots from Stafford airport fly way too low," Aug. 5]. This may be
his opinion, but he claims that they are breaking federal laws. I have been
an active pilot for over 30 years, and am a former flight instructor. I have
never heard of such a law. All of the "minimum altitude" regulations have an
exception: "except when landing or taking off." 

Different types of airplanes require different altitudes when taking off or
landing. Pilots frequently practice landings and takeoffs, as they are the
most difficult parts of flying. Short-field landing practice is done at
minimum altitude, and is a very essential part of flying because, in case of
an emergency, the nearest airport may have a short runway. 

Mr. Parks should go to the airport and take a one-hour flying lesson. He
would then understand how airplanes fly traffic patterns and descend to a
safe landing. He would also learn about federal regulations. I am sure the
reports to the FAA generated a humorous response, like, "What is a pilot
supposed to do, not descend to land at the airport?"

Airports can be a positive factor to a community. They bring jobs and taxes,
and encourage people to move close to an airport, for transportation and
commerce.

Ronald D. Parker
Mineral


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