We almost got run over by a Commander 114 last Friday. We were westbound at 4500’ cruise to Monroe KEFT, spotted him on the scope right behind us at our altitude. He was not stepping out to the right to pass. It looked like he was slightly to our left, so I did a 30 degree turn to the right. He continued straight, so we had some divergence. I did a right 360 and spotted him. When he called Monroe I asked if he saw us, said he had us on the scope now. Which seems like the short answer would have been “no.” Straight into 30, none of this pattern entry crap. We pulled in behind him at the pump and I said hello to him. He left the hose out, pump handle in the grass with the cap off. I doubt he saw us, probably on autopilot and not looking. Score 1 for ADSB in.
Note that I usually position my aircraft icon near the edge of the tablet, so I can see more ahead. I’m rethinking that strategy!
Given the size of our airplanes, they can be difficult to spot. When I first started flying my Waiex, I did not have a transponder or ADS-B Out and after enough close calls, I finally installed that equipment. The Onex will also have said equipment for safety!
There are way too many pilots flying by watching their iPads and not looking outside. Stay safe!
I agree! flying and messing with some screen data, and not seeing and being seen is quite a worry for me too, especially at a heavy traffice training environment. be very vigelant always, and confirm ads-b out functionallity at each inspection sequence annually!
To the detriment of polished airplanes, I’ve been told my polished Sonex is the most difficult airplane in the formation to see when we were practicing formation re-join maneuvers. They said I just blend into the back ground reflecting the sky. It’s also not the best when flying lead on a sunny day.
Flying out of KCOE can be pretty sporty in summer. Constantly getting worked into the traffic with G4’s, 5’s, Phenoms, Longitudes and even 737s. Then fire season starts and the BAE146’s and FireBoss come online. Coulson 737, C130’s, Q400’s. C47 Chinooks. One can make a convincing case for having a beer in the lawn chair watching from the hanger. Three years ago I went for ADSB in and out. Extra level of protection but I’m still eyes outside only at about 5 miles. Only time I’ll glance back in is if tower calls traffic I don’t have eyes on and I get a quick bearing to refocus my scan. Combo of new school and old school. Never ceased to be amazed at pilots replying they don’t have traffic “on the box” and tower tells them traffic is non ADSB and look out the window. Oh I giggle!
