I was really disturbed by what happened today. I was out flying with a student about 15 miles from 3ck (my home airport) when I heard someone on the radio announcing their position on downwind at 3ck for for runway 18. I thought that I probably heard it wrong or it was a mistake on his part. Then a short time later, I heard it again ” Lake in the Hills, Cessna 12345 on base for runway 18.”

There it was again, I knew I heard it right! I spoke up this time, “Cessna 12345, which runway are you using at Lake in the Hills?” He responded, “Runway 18.” Of course, I had to say something now! “Cessna 12345, Lake in the Hills has and East / West runway, runways 26 and 8″

He Replied ” OK, thanks! Cessna 12345 departing the pattern.”

I want to know WHAT imaginary runway he was lining up for? Would he have landed on a road? What was he looking at? There is an airport on the same frequency about 15 minutes north called Burlington, which doesn’t sound anything like Lake in the Hills and it’s more then 30 miles away. If it was Lake in the Hills he wanted to go but somehow ended up there, then how did he not notice the 30 mile difference?  Did he look at the Airport Facility Directory to see what runways we had before he left for his trip and if so, where did he come up with a runway that didn’t exist?

This is a perfect example of why you should have all available information about your trip. If you’re going to fly somewhere, make sure you know what you’re doing and where you are going. I see stuff like this all the time. It’s scary how many pilots are slipping through the cracks and getting their license when they shouldn’t have them. This is the reason I decided to start this website. It has to stop before someone gets hurt. Instructors need to care more and stop pushing people through when they aren’t ready. It should be about safety and doing things right, not how many students you can push through.

Whatever the reason was, let it be a wake up call for all students and pilots. You need to stay up to speed on things. If you don’t know something, then swallow your pride and get with an instructor and learn it. Keep learning, keep asking questions and keep reading. Your life and the life of others is in your hands. It’s better to be safe than sorry. This situation could have ended differently and I’m just glad that nobdy was hurt.