"Joe Johnson" wrote in message
m

First inbound leg was to a class D field close to home (call it ABC);
VOR on field. Dialed in the ABC VOR and looked for visual
checkpoints. Instead, approached another class D field nearby (call
it XYZ). Not to make excuses, but ABC and XYZ actually have some
geographic similarities: distance & direction from towns of about the
same size, as well as similar relation to highways and bodies of
water, etc). The visual checkpoints enroute were also close to each
other. However, student ignored two key pieces of evidence that
wrong field was being approached:

Finding fields can be difficult - even with experienced pilots. Check out a
recent flight of my own:
http://tknowlogy.com/tknoFlyer/Flights.asp#031115 (Landing HGR)

Two pilots, me with about 300 hours (instrument rated) and the passenger
with at least 200 hours (instrument student), had difficulty picking out a
field with two intersecting asphalt runways. Both of us had been to that
field more than once in the relatively recent past.

I don't know any solid advice to offer the student. He obviously recognized
his error by realizing the different runways and that's the best method I
can suggest for recognizing *your* runway: Study the airport layout ahead of
time. I've done that on almost every flight to a new airport for just that
reason.

I'd also venture a guess that he'll be much more assertive in the future
when "his" tower tells him "negative contact".

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/tknoFlyer
__________