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predicted. As we fly out the backside of the pandemic, we will see airspace and airport congestion increase as it supports the coming resumption in travel from massive pent-up demand.
Listen Up and Ask
As all aviation begins a post-COVID recovery and we become more com- fortable with PBN and the associated policies, procedures, regulations and avionics, we will be less inclined to need memorization and math to f ly our machines. Perhaps the E6-B and plotter have finally gone the way of unsliced bread, and this will decrease our workload. But while PBN may be like sliced bread for pilots, we should be prepared for the coming congestion and modifications to procedures.
Until ATC gets a handle on how often they can modify published pro- cedures, we must be ready for changes in airspeed, altitude and direction – often using different phraseology; unless we respond with “unable.” If you don’t hear the word “resume”
sometime after the word “except” in the modification of a speed, an alti- tude or a fix, then you are released from only “parts” of the procedure. But which parts? Listen up and query the controller if the clearance can be interpreted in more than one way. If we get confused or behind during the arrival and approach, the rolling snowball of dung can get smelly and unmanageable very quickly. And remember, it’s your behind if you get behind.
Kevin Dingman has been flying for more than 40 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737 and DC9 with 28,000 hours in his logbook. A retired Air Force major, he flew the F-16 and later performed as an USAF Civil Air Patrol Liaison Officer. He flies volun- teer missions for the Christian orga- niz tion Wings of Mercy, is employed by a major airline, and owns and operates a Beechcraft Duke.Contact Kevin at dinger10d@gmail.com.
Covington
April 2021 / TWIN & TURBINE • 25