I usually get dumped off at 5 miles. This happens when I am flying IFR or
VFR and receiving flight following. I fly between two class Cs into a small
uncontrolled field, so I get flight following.

I can make a position announcement, but it is also recommended that I say my
intentions. I don't know my intensions until I know what runway is active.

"Robert M. Gary" wrote in message
ups.com...

Jose wrote:
It can be very useful when the freq is quiet. Often times you'll find
that if students are in the pattern they only talk when turning. If a
student pilot is on downwind, if you don't ask, you probably won't hear
him on the radio until he's turning base, possibly in front of you.

You should be listening on the frequency for long enough that such
students have made several such turns before you are close enough for
that to matter. Make your own position report. That should be enough
of a prompt for pilots in the area to respond if warranted.

That's hard for IFR pilots who often get dumped onto airports as close
as 10 miles out. In my plane I'm usually approaching at 170 knots
ground speed. Not much time to wait for the next transmission. If the
freq is busy I agree with you, however, if the freq is dead it can be
helpful.

-Robert