Calling All Pilots!
Whether you fly a helicopter, airplane, or anything else, the fly neighborly mentality should already be part of your aviator identity.
People on the ground are more willing than ever to work hard to take away your freedom to use the national airspace if they perceive your flight to infringe on their "quality of life", or factual or not, perceive your flight to be a danger to their safety or the safety of others.
So it's in the best interest of all aviators that those of us who fly near populated areas be really courteous, friendly fliers. Share your aviation knowledge, among your neighbors and others; be a mentor. There is a lot of misunderstanding in the media and general populace. Either on your own or through your local flight group or associations like AOPA, spread the word about all the great things aviation does for humankind, the value of your local airport both economic and in terms of human spirit empowerment. Contact your local paper, get some good news in print, go to public meetings, write letters to the editor. Help spread the joy of aviation.
When it comes to flying, ERHC asks that you Fly Neighborly:
- •as always, flying safely is #1
- •fly as high as weather, ATC, and efficiency allow
- •avoid populated areas
- •use a variety of flight paths over time
- •meet or exceed the recommendations of HAI's fly neighborly program
- •follow your company SOP
- •use the aircraft manual's recommended techniques for sound reduction
- •use recommended airport and urban sound reduction flight paths
- •incorporate thinking about the affects of your aircraft's sound waves on others into your flight planning process
- •if you are in the utility sector, operating near a populated area extensively, take the time to notify and inform the community about your activities
- •be aware you are being watched and possibly reported/recorded
To find out what's going on in your region regarding neighborly flying, check out the NYC or other regional pages. In and around NYC, please consider joining ERHC; more information at our main site, erhc.org.