Changing runways – uncontrolled airport

[RalphInCA]

Is there a generally accepted process for recommending a runway change at a busy uncontrolled field?

The other day I was getting ready to fly and I noticed people were using the runway that was contrary to the winds. There were a couple of planes in the pattern and a couple getting ready to fly.

Since I was flying a LSA, and therefore very sensitive to the winds, I wanted to use the runway that favored the winds.

How should I suggest the runway change without making enemies? Get the Unicom operator to make an announcement?

 

[Matthew]

Take the rwy that suits you. Don't be "that guy" though, wait for an opening and announce your intentions clearly enough to give every one else a chance to react.

You'd be surprised how many people use a rwy just because someone else is. I saw a guy go around three times in a row because he just couldn't get down. Then his buddy mentioned the 15 kt tailwind to him.

 

[Somedudeintn]

Is there a generally accepted process for recommending a runway change at a busy uncontrolled field?

The other day I was getting ready to fly and I noticed people were using the runway that was contrary to the winds. There were a couple of planes in the pattern and a couple getting ready to fly.

Since I was flying a LSA, and therefore very sensitive to the winds, I wanted to use the runway that favored the winds.

How should I suggest the runway change without making enemies? Get the Unicom operator to make an announcement?

Just curious, was there a tailwind on the runway or was there another crossing (possibly shorter) runway that the winds favored? How strong were the winds?

I don't think the Unicom operator has any really authority to make an announcement like that, but I'm curious to hear some other responses. I have not had to deal with this yet with multiple planes in a pattern.

 

[frfly172]

If your going to use an intersecting runway,be sure to declare,what your intentions are,and when an opportunity presents itself,announce and land or takeoff.

 

[cowman]

Since you're already on the ground just key up the radio and talk to the other pilots. Tell them your intentions and why. Most likely they'll just switch runways or accommodate you some other way. Most pilots are pretty courteous and want everyone in the area(including themselves) to operate safely.

The radio isn't just there to call your downwind, base, and final... obviously we don't want the channels clogged with chatter but if you have something relevant to communicate or request by all means do so, that's why we have it.

 

[GAZOO]

winds at cable have been switching a lot. With all the traffic you will be waiting a long time to go against the flow. I was flying the Fairchild the other day and after a T&G the wind shifted, I called for rwy 6 and by the time I got to midfield it switched again. So I landed 24. Sometimes you just gotta deal with it.


BTW..... if you are one of the guys that likes to take that Remos to san antonio or Euclid ave before you turn base, can you do the rest of us a favor and turn by or before mountain? No need to go that far out. If your motor quits your screwed, and that remos is so damn slow other traffic in that pattern have a real tuff time giving you ample room when you make a 2+ mile final. If your not, disregard

 

[RalphInCA]

Just curious, was there a tailwind on the runway or was there another crossing (possibly shorter) runway that the winds favored? How strong were the winds?
.

Airport runway is 06/24

Winds were were from the southeast at 8-10 kts. Traffic was using 24. I wanted to use 6.

It ended up not being problem since by the time I was ready to fly they had *somehow* changed runways (I didn't hear how it was done).

 

[Hank S]

No one can "change" the runway at an uncontrolled field. That's the essence of being "uncontrolled." If you want to be told when and where to take off and land, please visit a Controlled field, and the Tower will tell you where you may go, and when it's your turn. Keep a close lookout there, too, because some people don't play well with others.

If you want to land on a different runway, work your way in and do it. Just don't create a hazard for yourself or others.

Fly safe and have fun!

 

[RalphInCA]

BTW..... if you are one of the guys that likes to take that Remos to san antonio or Euclid ave before you turn base, can you do the rest of us a favor and turn by or before mountain? No need to go that far out. If your motor quits your screwed, and that remos is so damn slow other traffic in that pattern have a real tuff time giving you ample room when you make a 2+ mile final. If your not, disregard

LOL, yeah, that may be me. Sorry. I'll clean up my act.

As a relatively low time pilot, I like to have a lot of time on final to let the approach settle out. But I understand what you are saying. We are all in this together.

 

[GAZOO]

LOL, yeah, that may be me. Sorry. I'll clean up my act.

As a relatively low time pilot, I like to have a lot of time on final to let the approach settle out. But I understand what you are saying. We are all in this together.

All good. Just tough when that and the rental 152 go out that far. Bout a week ago I was behind the Remos. The guy turned base at Euclid, I couldn't believe it. I went out past campus to turn base, I literally thought about calling ONT. I ended up going around cuz the Remos was still on runway when I was getting too close for comfort.

I always ask myself if I can make the runway if motor quits on base. I start my turn at that housing complex just east of the runway. The one the streets look like a #8 sideways out the window. I cut power set 80mph and let her fall. Sometines when the wind is blowing good I still have to give it power.

 

[Kritchlow]

It's always been a pet peeve when people say "active" runway at an uncontrolled field. That simply does not exist.

The best advice anyone can give regarding anything in aviation is to use good judgement.

 

[bflynn]

The short answer to your question is no, there's no approved or regular way to do what you recommend. A few things I've done in the past:

Didn't follow the conga line 6500' to the far end of the airport for the 3kt headwind takeoff. I taxied to 3 and stood ready. When someone announced they were taking off, I cut in right afterward announcing I'd be taking off on 3 and asked next in line on 21 to acknowledge. They did, I took off and slid a little right so I could keep traffic in view...no problems. Had a lot of people follow me to 3.

When practicing landings as a student, noticed the tailwind was 6kts and expected to get stronger. On turn to downwind, announced that I would cross midfield and enter down wind for the opposite runway, with a brief comment that the wind was getting up. Two others in the pattern agreed, one turned midfield in front of me, the other was rolling for t/o behnd me,but got into line for the other runway.

10 miles out, announced intent to cross midfield for runway 5. As I got closer, realized the winds clearly favored 23, so I announced my change - Warrior 81917, 5 miles north. previously midfield for 5, I'll be entering the 45 to downwind for 23.

When it makes sense, it's easy to lead.

And yes, sometimes people don't follow and it gets crazy. Keep others in sight, make sure they know what you're doing.

 

[bflynn]

It's always been a pet peeve when people say "active" runway at an uncontrolled field. That simply does not exist.

The best advice anyone can give regarding anything in aviation is to use good judgement.

I chuckle at "taking the active". Well don't take it too far, I'm going to need it.

It's just a word. They're wrong to use it,but so what? I think of it as shorthand for "runway that everyone is using" and I'm glad they saved the radio time.

 

[Kritchlow]

I chuckle at "taking the active". Well don't take it too far, I'm going to need it.

It's just a word. They're wrong to use it,but so what? I think of it as shorthand for "runway that everyone is using" and I'm glad they saved the radio time.

Okay. How about even shorter? "Taking runway 19".
In all honesty, someone entering the area that hears "taking the active", may have no idea what the active is. Runway numbers are a good technique at an uncontrolled field. Actually required at controlled fields.

 

[TheGolfPilot]

I am the guy that harasses pilots who use the term "active runway" at uncontrolled airports.
About a month ago I was approaching Gilroy, Ca and a Saratoga was taking off and announced that he was taking the active. Although he was right in front of me and I saw him, I had to ask "what is the active? I didn't know there was one" I don't think the guy understood because he responded that he saw me and would be off the runway before I got there.

For you "active runway" cowboys out there. How is the guy that just tuned to the frequency supposed to know what runway is being used?

That leads me to my other issue that a lot of pilots out there actually truly believe there is an active runway. About a month ago, again, I was at Benton field in Redding and a group of aircraft proceeded to taxi to the far runway end. Although the windsock was suggesting that far runway, it was limper than my Grandpa when he can't find his Cialis. I was in a hurry to get home and decided to get out of the near runway before those joyriders got to the other side. When I announced I was taking off from 15 I got the following remark "15 isn't the active runway, 33 is". REALLY? "15 is my active runway, seeya"

Thats my evening rant.

 

[Ravioli]

Who is in charge of harassing people for using "uncontrolled" rather than "non-towered"?

Oh, maybe that's me.

 

[RalphInCA]

All good. Just tough when that and the rental 152 go out that far. Bout a week ago I was behind the Remos. The guy turned base at Euclid, I couldn't believe it. I went out past campus to turn base, I literally thought about calling ONT. I ended up going around cuz the Remos was still on runway when I was getting too close for comfort.



I always ask myself if I can make the runway if motor quits on base. I start my turn at that housing complex just east of the runway. The one the streets look like a #8 sideways out the window. I cut power set 80mph and let her fall. Sometines when the wind is blowing good I still have to give it power.

Thanks for your patience. As I gain experience I will be able to tighten things up.

I certainly do not want to get in people's way.

My instructors have taught me to do as you are saying, but now that I am solo I have been getting a little loose. Your comments have helped remind me that I need to fly a tight pattern and fly precisely. I appreciate that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[poadeleted20]

I don't think the Unicom operator has any really authority to make an announcement like that, but I'm curious to hear some other responses. I have not had to deal with this yet with multiple planes in a pattern.

Anyone can say pretty much anything they like on the CTAF, but most airport operators and FBO's prohibit their employees from making announcements like that for liability reasons. They'll read you the winds, but they won't tell you which runway to use.

 

[poadeleted20]

Since you're already on the ground just key up the radio and talk to the other pilots. Tell them your intentions and why. Most likely they'll just switch runways or accommodate you some other way. Most pilots are pretty courteous and want everyone in the area(including themselves) to operate safely.

 

[CharlieTango]

I face this in my light sport all the time. Most traffic uses 27 even with an east wind. I don't try to get anyone to change.

To make matters worse its now common for planes on approach to call downwind for 27 at 13,000'.

 

[oldShar]

My experience, when traffic is fairly dense; when the wind shifts to better favor a different runway, someone will get on the radio and suggest the change and an online vote will follow.
Sounds like that isn't standard/normal practice? Maybe it doesn't happen in places that typically have fewer than 4 planes in the pattern at once?