Avoiding common pilot errors: An air traffic controller's view (Tab practical flying series)

By John Stewart

Book Overview

This important work interprets -- from the controller's perspective -- mistakes pilots frequently make when operating in controlled airspace. Drawing on 20 years experience in aviation as a pilot, instructor, air traffic controller, and FAA supervisor, John Stewart cites examples of situations frequently encountered by controllers that disclose these problem areas: Lack of education: made apparent in pilot inability to correctly operate equipment, execute flight maneuvers, or perform standard procedures -- due either to improper training or inadequate practice. Little to no preflight preparation: Poor planning results in things being done in the air that should have been done on the ground -- leaving pilots "behind the aircraft." Need for better communications: advance filing, correct phraseology, attentiveness -- techniques that can improve communication between pilots and controllers. Regulations: such as cruising altitudes, speed limits, position reporting -- rules so confusing that even many controllers misunderstand them. TCAs and ARSAs: unfamiliarity with operating in terminal airspace -- complicated by pilot resistance. Stewart also explains in detail the equipment that controllers use now, and will use in the future, plus, he reviews several "by-pilot-request-only" ATC procedures that can save you time and money. Book jacket.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830614346
• ISBN13: 9780830614349
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill School Education Group
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Outdated but still informative

Like the other reviewers, I picked this up at the bookstore without looking at the date it was published. Lots has changed in the national airspace system since 1989, but the underlying technology remains similar and - the most important part - pilot-controller interactions have remained almost unchanged. "Avoiding Common Pilot Errors" probably isn't the place to look for the latest information on terminology, but it's a great resource for the thinking pilot who wants to understand more about how controllers work and interact with aviators. I'm a recently-certified flight instructor, and there are dozens of points which Stewart raises that my extensive training hasn't covered. It's not the only resource, but it's an excellent supplement that will probably benefit most casual and professional pilots.

Great view into the world of ATC, but out-of-date

This book was a great introduction to the world of ATC, how controllers see traffic, and how they interact with pilots. Good tips on how to help controllers help you (and how not to seem like a fool). My only complaint is that it's out of date (it predates the switch to Class A,B,C,D,E,G airspace), which detracts from a few chapters. The author notes that the book will need to be updated "soon", but this apparently never happened.

Great for beginner pilots!

I am a beginner pilot and I found John's book to be very helpful in demistifying the air traffic control system. It gives great explaination of the system and what the jobs and concerns are of the folks who work in the system. I highly recommend this book to all pilots, especially beginners.