Page 20 - March 2015 Volume 19 Number 3

look, and verbally (even when solo) confirm that “final is clear.” When he had cleared me to cross, there was an airplane on 1⁄4 mile final to
this runway. Ground figured it out and said thanks. And sometimes, two taxiing airplanes may not be able to fit on adjacent taxiways at the same time because of wingtip clearances – even though both were cleared to taxi. Often the note that mentions this fact is a small “ball note” cleverly concealed somewhere on the airport diagram page, usually near that tennis racket. This is also true for hidden notes that say: ‘Stop here before proceeding’, ‘Contact
tower right here’, and the one that says ‘Your zipper is down’ – I hate that one.
It’s A Gusher
While not as common in GA, at the airlines we bump, and are bumped by, vehicles, ground equipment and other aircraft more occasionally than you might think. The ramps and taxiways often look like the sidewalks of Manhattan during lunch hour: catering and fuel trucks, baggage carts, tow tugs, FedEx, UPS, USPS and Brinks trucks alongside multiple automobiles – all competing for space on the field. They’re all in a big hurry, they’re all texting while driving and they’re all moving faster than a man can walk. If something hard like these vehicles or objects hits your airplane, even if it’s a gentle bump, you may not leak fuel or other fluids, but reports to the FAA may be required and money will gush from the impact area. Review the airport diagram picture-puzzle before you begin movement on the field or you may not see a hot spot or that tennis racket in the flower bed, or you may get caught with your zipper down. If any of these things hap•pen, you will instinctively tap the brakes and head bumping will ensue. T&T
Hartzell Propeller Service Ctr. Half Page
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Kevin Dingman has been flying for 40 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737 and DC9 with 20,000 hours. A retired Air Force Major, he flew the F-16 then performed as a USAF Civil Air Patrol Liaison Of- ficer. He flies volunteer missions for the Christian organization Wings of Mercy, is employed by a major airline, and owns and operates a Beechcraft Duke. Contact Kevin at Dinger10d@gmail.com.
• • • •TWIN & TURBINE MARCH 2015