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4 Answers

Traffic

Asked by: 1545 views
Airspace, General Aviation, Light Sport Aircraft

Weather is clear after a little bit. So I decided to go for a flight. I have a endorsement so I got cleared into a class C airspace to do some traffic patterns. It was fun but stressful. I was constantly changing altitudes for traffic. I don't think that's a big problem but any tips on decreasing the stress while flying in high traffic airspaces?

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4 Answers



  1. Bryan on Feb 21, 2022

    First, don’t change altitude in the traffic pattern. If you’re flying a high wing aircraft (like a Cessna), it’s impossible to see above you and very difficult to see directly below you. If you’re flying a low wing (Piper Cherokee), it’s impossible to see below you and difficult to see directly above you. But in both aircraft, you can see to the sides pretty well. This is why traffic patterns are set altitudes based on aircraft type. Chapter 8 of the Airplane Flying Handbook says, “The use of a common altitude at a given airport is the key factor in minimizing the risk of collisions at airports.”

    Read Chapter 8 carefully because the collision avoidance procedures are all outlined there–and never include changing altitude.

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  2. Skycatcher06 on Feb 21, 2022

    @Bryan i accidentally pressed the thumbs down but I meant thumbs up. Thank you for the advice. I was just following instructions given by ATC. I am going to re read chapter 3. Thank you. But on the other note do you have any tips for reducing stress while in high traffic airspaces?

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  3. Best Answer


    Bryan on Feb 21, 2022

    I’m surprised that ATC was giving you altitude adjustments–I’ve never seen that before. But complying with ATC is the way to go.

    The easiest thing is to fly with another pilot, preferably an instructor. That doubles your lookout and awareness while giving you a safer space to build experience in busy airspace. Ultimately, if busy airspace is stressful to you right now, experience is the best thing to change that. Knowing the procedures will help to a point–because it can also help you recognize when someone else is doing something outside of standard and know to keep a special eye out for their dangerous behavior.

    Otherwise, make sure the business of the airspace does not overcome your skills to deal with it. As I’m sure you know, stress is the “S” in IMSAFE. It is your responsibility not to take on more stress than you can safely handle.

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  4. Skycatcher06 on Feb 21, 2022

    @Bryan yeah I don’t fly into class C often so not very experienced in that airspace. I will take your advice on getting experience and I will have my brother ( a private pilot) come fly with me in class C for a little bit till I get more comfortable. I knew that ATC was there to help us in there airspace so I just followed there orders blindly. Probably too blindly. Thanks for the advice! 🙂

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