Bully on the Block

Tom Benenson

Monday, April 21, 2008 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot's alarming "shoot-down" radio joke caused distress to another pilot and prompted FAA intervention, underscoring the serious implications of unprofessional radio communication.
The incident highlights broader issues with pilot radio discipline, including inadequate position reports and failure to state intentions (e.g., full stop vs. touch-and-go) or departure directions, which hinders safety and situational awareness.
The article stresses that clear, accurate, and diligent radio communication, coupled with thorough pre-flight checks (like checking frequencies and NOTAMs), is paramount for enhancing flight safety, reducing mid-air risks, and maintaining a positive perception of aviation.

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Just when I thought it was safe to get back in the pattern and that pilots were finally taking to heart proper radio discipline, I got a frantic call from my friend Jim. He was very upset about an incident that had occurred two days earlier as he was approaching the Morristown (New Jersey) Municipal Airport from the west in his Cessna Skylane, N828JT (the N-number’s been changed to ensure Jim’s anonymity). (New Jersey) Municipal Airport from the west in his Cessna Skylane, N828JT (the N-number’s been changed to ensure Jim’s anonymity).

“I called the tower for landing instructions and after telling me to plan a right base to Runway 23, the controller called traffic about three miles away,” Jim related. “I was looking for the other airplane when I heard someone call in, ‘I have the target in sight. I’m armed and shooting down Eight Two Eight Juliet Tango.’ That scared me! I didn’t know what to think.”