Negligent Flight Crew Skirts Close to Collision with Instrumental Flight Rules (IFR) Aircraft Traffic
In a recent incident that took place during a standard instrument departure (SID) under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), a student accidentally climbed through their assigned altitude, bringing them dangerously close to another aircraft, causing a near mid-air collision (NMAC). This near miss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining focus on assigned altitudes during flights and adhering to Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions.
The instructor and student were focused on spotting the aircraft above them, potentially causing them to overlook their assigned altitude. ATC had advised them to climb to 4000 ft, but the student's distraction from their assigned task may have contributed to the near miss. ATC also informed the instructor and student about traffic at 12-1 o'clock, 1000 ft above their altitude, but they were already in a precarious situation.
To avoid such incidents, pilots can employ several effective scanning techniques. Systematic scanning, where instruments and outside visual references are scanned in a regular manner, can help maintain situational awareness. Peripheral vision, utilising tools like TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), and crew resource management are some strategies that can significantly reduce the risk of distractions and traffic conflicts during IFR flights.
It is also crucial to avoid distractions, maintain a high level of alertness, especially during critical phases of flight, and stay updated with weather forecasts, NOTAMs, and other relevant information. Proper training and adherence to procedures are also essential to ensure safe flights.
After the incident, ATC provided a phone number for the instructor and student to call when they were back on the ground. ATC also issued a pilot deviation due to the near miss, underscoring the potential consequences of distractions during flights.
This incident underscores the need for pilots to maintain situational awareness during flights. By following ATC instructions, employing effective scanning techniques, and minimizing distractions, pilots can ensure a safer flying environment for everyone.
- The near miss incident, during a standard instrument departure (SID) under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), involved an airplane, necessitating stronger focus on assigned altitudes during flights and adherence to Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions.
- The instructor and student were so engrossed in spotting the aircraft above them that they might have overlooked their assigned altitude, which contributed to the near mid-air collision (NMAC).
- ATC had advised them to climb to 4000 ft, but the student's distraction from their assigned task may have led to the incident, emphasizing the need for undivided attention during flights.
- ATC also alerted the instructor and student about the traffic at 12-1 o'clock, 1000 ft above their altitude, but they were already in a precarious situation.
- To prevent such incidents, pilots can use systematic scanning, employ TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), and crew resource management, as well as avoid distractions and stay updated with weather forecasts, NOTAMs, and other relevant information.
- Following the incident, the ATC provided the instructor and student with a phone number to call when they were back on the ground, and issued a pilot deviation, highlighting the potential consequences of distractions during flights.
- This incident underscores the importance of maintaining situational awareness during flights, adhering to ATC instructions, employing effective scanning techniques, and minimizing distractions to ensure a safer flying environment for everyone in the aviation industry, which relies heavily on transportation and is intertwined with sports.
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