As a pilot, you have a unique view of the world that many people don’t get to experience in their lives. Those unique views can turn into a deadly MID AIR COLLISION if you’re not careful. Things you see on the ground, such as smoke can distract you. Where there is smoke, there is fire and seeing it from the air would tempt any pilot to check it out.
You have an airplane, and can fly straight to the smoke at over 120mph. No roadblocks or traffic, just a great unobstructed view! I saw this fire on my way back to the airport and had to check it out!
It’s cool to be able to see things like this from the air but they can turn into a mid air collision real fast if you don’t keep your eyes open. Just as it can be tempting for you to fly to the smoke to check it out, other pilots are probably doing the same thing. As I was turning right around this fire, I saw another plane on the opposite side turning left around the fire.
If we were at the same altitude and I hadn’t noticed him, we could have had a mid air collision, causing a couple more fires on the ground for more pilots to look at. Mid air collisions are more likely to happen when there is something to look at on the ground so you have to be extra careful in these areas. If you’re interested in seeing a fire, someone else probably is too. Don’t let distractions on the ground prevent you from doing your job as a pilot which is to protect you and your passengers from harm.
This post is just a reminder to all pilots, that anywhere pilots tend to migrate to is where you have to really keep your scan going. Aiports and the 45° entry into airports are other areas where you should really pay attention. I know it seems like common sense but it’s easier than you think to become distracted, so be careful and avoid a mid air collision by keeping your scan going at all times.