Denny
Can't forget the Ag Cat that was run over, from behind, at about
200'agl in eastern WA state about 10 years ago. The military concluded
it was the ag pilots fault for being there. He was flying in an area
during normal ag flying operations, during the normal growing season,
doing what goes on every year at the same time and place...and yet the
military said he was in the wrong? I'm VERY PRO MILITARY but they were
flat wrong in that one as they are in many others vs general aviation.
I did ag flying in the Columbia Basin and often saw the military flying
on published routes doing what was advertised, and I also saw them
doing things that were outright hazardous and unthinking. Can't help
but think it was individuals, as PIC, who diverted from published
procedures. When you expect to see heavies low and not so slow...like
500'agl, I can live with it and avoid their operational zone with no
heartburn. When they drop down to 200'agl it concerns me as they depart
from published procedures and no warning to working slobs like me. I
ferry back and forth to my base at 200'agl.
Damned shame for all concerned when someone gets killed but even worse
when the military tries to cover it up and claim the genav pilot is to
blame.
Ol S&B