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- May 18, 2007
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jsstevens
I posted in another thread about my trip to Inverness (X40, http://www.airnav.com/airport/X40). X40 is a pilot controlled airport.
When I taxied back out to leave, there was a large tractor mowing the grass along side the taxiway down around the end of runway 1. It was stirring up a lot (and I mean a LOT) of large birds as well as encroaching on the taxiway. In the interest of not getting involved with the tractor or the birds, I decided to enter the runway a A2. This gives up about 1/2 the runway. I looked it over and decided I didn't want to leave 1/2 the runway behind me. (I could have. I fly a C-172C model and it was just me even though density altitude was ~1900 ft.)
So what I decided to do (and announced on the CTAF) was back taxi on runway 1, then turn and take off. There was nobody around the airport or bouncing around the pattern so I didn't conflict with anyone.
My question is: Is this an accepted practice? I would normally have used the taxiway except for the tractor and birds. I would not have done it if it impacted traffic in the pattern or on the ground. I'm satisfied with my choice but curious. Given that there is no shortage of opinions on this board, I assume someone will take exception...
John
When I taxied back out to leave, there was a large tractor mowing the grass along side the taxiway down around the end of runway 1. It was stirring up a lot (and I mean a LOT) of large birds as well as encroaching on the taxiway. In the interest of not getting involved with the tractor or the birds, I decided to enter the runway a A2. This gives up about 1/2 the runway. I looked it over and decided I didn't want to leave 1/2 the runway behind me. (I could have. I fly a C-172C model and it was just me even though density altitude was ~1900 ft.)
So what I decided to do (and announced on the CTAF) was back taxi on runway 1, then turn and take off. There was nobody around the airport or bouncing around the pattern so I didn't conflict with anyone.
My question is: Is this an accepted practice? I would normally have used the taxiway except for the tractor and birds. I would not have done it if it impacted traffic in the pattern or on the ground. I'm satisfied with my choice but curious. Given that there is no shortage of opinions on this board, I assume someone will take exception...
John