Be Prepared!

J. Mac McClellan

Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Extensive preparation is crucial for flying into major airports, including meticulous study of airport diagrams and terminal charts, understanding potential fees, and making necessary reservations.
Pilots must possess advanced proficiency in ATC communications and IFR-standard aircraft control (heading, altitude, airspeed) regardless of VFR conditions, as controllers operate in a high-demand, low-margin environment.
Prioritize safety and efficiency by being prepared for high approach speeds (100 kts minimum), diligently avoiding wake turbulence, clearing runways quickly, and considering general aviation alternatives when appropriate.

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Check out Dick Collins’s BIG AIRPORT CHECKLIST

This safety piece, which first appeared in the August edition of the Flying, was written months before the September 11th attacks on America. While the nature of our airspace has changed, and continues to change, we believe the general message, that you need to be prepared and profession when you fly in busy airspace, is more timely now than ever.