I wanted to write in response to the recent Learning Experience entry Ground Reference (September 2007) and the idea of ducking under a cloud deck on a flight between Buffalo, N.Y., and New York City. I dont doubt the author knows the route like the back of his hand, so flying it under a low overcast may be safe. Ive flown the route from Buffalo to Utica, N.Y.; the moisture pumped in from the lakes was something else. I didnt want to be high and on top, but I cant recall why. Despite my best efforts, the flight ended well thanks to Buffalo approach. They took me up and over the tops all the way to UCA where I made a simple, safe approach. The ceiling there was at minimums but it was the smoothest air Ive ever flown in, and some of the safest. The writer mentioned hills, but no reference to antennas as he flew. Hills in general are favored by radio stations and cell phone companies, and most often harbor a danger I learned to call "Porcupine Ridge." Every radio station wants to be there.
Pilots are cautioned about the danger of numerous unseen ground obstructions, like antennas on "Porcupine Ridge," when flying low or "scud running" under cloud decks.
The article highlights safety concerns regarding ATC frequency change requests during critical flight phases, which can distract pilots and contribute to accidents, underscoring the pilot's ultimate responsibility for flight safety.
A reader questioned the fairness and completeness of a prior aviation headset review, arguing it should compare all top products with statistical proof rather than making unsubstantiated "best-performing" claims.
I wanted to write in response to the recent Learning Experience entry
Ground Reference (September 2007) and the idea of ducking under a cloud deck on a flight between Buffalo, N.Y., and New York City. I dont doubt the author knows the route like the back of his hand, so flying it under a low overcast may be safe. Ive flown the route from Buffalo to Utica, N.Y.; the moisture pumped in from the lakes was something else. I didnt want to be high and on top, but I cant recall why.
Despite my best efforts, the flight ended well thanks to Buffalo approach. They took me up and over the tops all the way to UCA where I made a simple, safe
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