BARBARA FILKINS: Back To Basics In The Traffic Pattern

Sometimes going back to basics is key to solving complex, community-based issues faced by many airports, specifically noise. A California airport commissioner, when asked what the most effective action an individual CFI could do to help address noise issues related to flight training, paused, then said “good pattern etiquette.”

This presentation will first explore “good pattern etiquette” – the basics we were taught and (hopefully) teach as documented by the FAA in the PHAK. Then, it will explore anomalies that impact the basic pattern and, consequently, the noise profile. Anomalies will include common student deviations and other issues such as failure to turn crosswind promptly or at an improper altitude, failure to fly a stabilized approach in a proper configuration for the aircraft, and traffic mix considerations (e.g., requests for extended downwind).

This presentation builds upon “fly friendly” efforts underway within the Ventura County CA airport system. The ubiquitous C172 will be used as the baseline trainer for this demonstration. The Ventura County Department of Airports has agreed to support this effort by providing flight tracks from the County Noise and Operations Management (VNOM) System as well as noise data from current monitoring efforts.

The focus is the individual CFI (not just the associated flight school) contributing to noise management through better flying and teaching techniques. While not representing a formal study, this presentation may lead to further formal work in this area.

AOPA's GUIDE TO AIRPORT NOISE AND COMPATIBLE LAND USE

Why are airports closed? There are almost as many excuses for closing airports as there are airports themselves. Residential encroachment on airports leaves neighbors complaining about noise, pollution, and other hazards. Poor planning leaves airports surrounded by houses, churches, and schools. Communities in need of a quick infusion of cash look for property to sell or budgets to cut. Airports occupy prime real estate enticing to developers and local officials who don’t understand the value of their community airport and are looking to expand their tax base.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

BARBARA FILKINS Instructor, California Aeronautical University

Barbara Filkins is an ATP-rated pilot with flight instructor ratings including instrument and multi-engine. She has a BS in Physics from Harvey Mudd College (HMC), an MS in cybersecurity, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in aeronautical science. As a graduate of the former Bates Aeronautics Program at Harvey Mudd, she learned to fly from and then taught for NAFI Hall of Fame Inductee Iris Critchell.

In 2014, she and her husband began to build an experimental aircraft, the Velocity V-twin. Subsequently, she completed the Phase 1 testing on N527VT and is currently one of two instructors approved by the Velocity factory to provide transition training for this aircraft. Today, she is actively flight instructing in Southern California as well as being on faculty at California Aeronautical University teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses on topics such as airline safety, simulation and future trends. She is a FAASTeam representative.

Click below to access the quiz and earn immediate WINGS Credit

CLICK HERE to go to the WINGS Quiz

Step 1 - Login to your FAASafety WINGS account

Step 2- Take Quiz - Receive Immediate WINGS Credit

If you are not registered on the FAASafety website you may do so below

HARTZELL PROPELLER

This NAFI Summit Series is made possible through a generous donation by Hartzell Propeller Inc.

Hartzell has been the leader in aircraft propeller systems for nearly a century. We have over 400 different blade designs available which can be configured in hubs with 2- through 6-blades to provide optimal performance for the aircraft designer modifier. To find a propeller specific to your aircraft, use our Application Guide or contact us.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS SUMMIT