I am making this post on behalf of the IFVARB and as a supervisor for IFATC.
It has been brought to our attention that some pilots are forgetting rules of the sky or losing the ability to pilot an aircraft in an airspace controlled (specifically on the Expert Server) by IFATC. I think we can all agree that if we were one of the pilots of the aircraft below, that we’d be frustrated that pilots are cutting in line, or not paying attention, or whatever the case may be.
The screenshot below identifies about 30 aircraft in a very short radius of each other. Many aircraft are in a position where they will converge or cross paths if they continue on their current path. Its as if folks are playing a game of chicken. Who can hold out the longest before the other makes a turn to avoid a collision. This is not the name of the game and it needs to stop.
Image provided by @Mark_Eatman
You are encouraged to share this information
I realize that not all folks who fly on the Casual, Training, or Expert Servers, are on the IFC. But you have friends who are friends with someone who may not be on the forum. Share this with those on Facebook, Twitter, IG, Text message, etc.
This post only applies if approach is not available
If approach is not available and only Tower and Ground are active, space yourself out from others. What does this mean?
There are a few ways to space yourself out:
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Do a 360, extend your pattern leg (upwind, crosswind, downwind, base), or fly a heading that will increase the separation between you and the aircraft in front of you.
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Fly a slower speed. Just because the 250kts below 10,000ft rules is in effect, does not mean you need to fly 249kts. Add some flaps, and slow the speed down. Just think, if you fly at a slower speed, you won’t have to fly away from the airport as far if you’re extending a downwind for separation.
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Anything that approach would tell you to do if you were too close to an aircraft, is probably a wise choice. Fly your aircraft as if approach is active.
For those in VA’s/VO’s
CEOs: You need to step up and take some action on pilots who may be in violation of this. As a CEO, you need to ensure that your pilots are operating their aircraft in a respectful manner. Not only does this apply to other pilots who may be flying in the vicinity of others but also to IFATC. I highly suggest that you chat with your pilots to ensure that they are respecting other pilots and IFATC alike on the Expert Server especially. The Training Server is a place where pilots and ATC train and learn the rules that are available to them on within Infinite Flight. As a CEO, you will be held responsible for your pilots actions and possible removal from the VA Database is likely if reports of your pilots arise.
Pilots: IFATC is a group of men and a few women, who volunteer their time to YOU. They don’t have to provide anything to anyone. They have trained for countless hours and have taken the time to go to the next level within Infinite Flight. This is their choice to open an airport and provide a service to YOU. The least you could do is help them out.
By separating yourselves from other aircraft (as noted above) outside of controlled airspace you are helping out IFATC tremendously. The sooner you separate yourself the better. Group flights are great in cruise, but when you’re beginning your arrival into the region of your destination, you need to help us (IFATC and other pilots) out. Its not fair for people to be put in holding patterns or denied entry to an airport because you decided to wait until the last minute.
For those NOT in VA’s/VO’s
Pilots: Same thing applies to you as noted above. Help us, help you!
Questions/Concerns?
Drop them below. Any complaint replies will be deleted as this is not the appropriate place to do so. The goal of this post is to reduce the impact and it might be a stretch but eliminate future issues like this from happening.
This post may not apply to everyone. For those who already separate yourself from the pack, thank you!