walldan
Well Known Member
"They told me to squawk VFR and that no traffic was in the area because I mentioned having trouble seeing because I was flying into the setting sun"
I normally don't post here. But when I read your first post it really got me fired up. You assumed the other person was in error. I would propose you were in error.
You mentioned you could not see because of the sun yet were flying a VFR approach. In my world, if you can't see, it doesn't matter if the obstruction is fog, clouds, heavy rain, or the sun... on your approach you did not meet the minimum visual requirements for VFR flight.
Did you ever stop to think that maybe the other pilot selected the opposite runway because it was the safer runway to depart. I would not want to Depart on a runway knowing that someone could be overtaking me and blinded by the sun. Also if he was VFR a departure into the blinding sun would be illegal as you cannot see.
Now add to this you took an unsafe approach and made it even unsafer by not flying a standard traffic pattern. If you would have flowing the FAA approved traffic pattern you would have had ample opportunities to see the traffic.
I am glad it turned out well for you.
I normally don't post here. But when I read your first post it really got me fired up. You assumed the other person was in error. I would propose you were in error.
You mentioned you could not see because of the sun yet were flying a VFR approach. In my world, if you can't see, it doesn't matter if the obstruction is fog, clouds, heavy rain, or the sun... on your approach you did not meet the minimum visual requirements for VFR flight.
Did you ever stop to think that maybe the other pilot selected the opposite runway because it was the safer runway to depart. I would not want to Depart on a runway knowing that someone could be overtaking me and blinded by the sun. Also if he was VFR a departure into the blinding sun would be illegal as you cannot see.
Now add to this you took an unsafe approach and made it even unsafer by not flying a standard traffic pattern. If you would have flowing the FAA approved traffic pattern you would have had ample opportunities to see the traffic.
I am glad it turned out well for you.
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