Midair Collision over Hudson Provides Tragic Reminder that Airplanes and Helicopters Don't Mix Well, According to Aviation Law Expert

San Mateo attorney Mike Danko explains basic "see and avoid" collision avoidance method used in uncontrolled areas, risks inherent in such situations

Many people are surprised to learn that the method used to prevent collisions in such uncontrolled areas is called 'see and avoid,'

The pilot is supposed to look out his or her window, 'see' the other aircraft and 'avoid' them. Though this method of collision avoidance may sound primitive, over the years it has worked well.

Helicopters fly slower than airplanes, and because they have a small cross section, they are hard to spot -- especially when viewed from directly behind

That puts them at risk of being rear-ended. It doesn't help matters that helicopters tend to maneuver in a fashion that most airplane pilots find to be unpredictable. Unfortunately, when both a helicopter and airplane are headed to the same spot, or are both looking at the same feature on the ground, the risks of collision can be serious.

San Mateo, CA (Lexis Nexis/PRWEB ) August 14, 2009 -- The tragic accident that occurred above the Hudson River in New York on August 8th, in which nine people were killed when a small aircraft collided in midair with a helicopter, served as a graphic illustration of the serious dangers inherent when airplanes and helicopters share the same airspace.

According to Mike Danko, an experienced pilot and attorney who specializes in aviation law disputes, there are many places in the U.S. where pilots are permitted to fly without being supervised or controlled in any way. One such area is near the Statue of Liberty in New York's Hudson River. As long as the pilot stays below 1,100 feet -- outside the airspace used by airliners -- the pilot doesn't need a clearance, doesn't need to have filed a flight plan, and doesn't need to communicate with any tower or other air traffic control facility.

"Many people are surprised to learn that the method used to prevent collisions in such uncontrolled areas is called 'see and avoid,'" explained Danko, who has represented clients in a number of cases arising from midair collisions. "The pilot is supposed to look out his or her window, 'see' the other aircraft and 'avoid' them. Though this method of collision avoidance may sound primitive, over the years it has worked well."

According to Danko, who has also represented clients in cases arising from helicopter tour operations, the problem is that helicopters and airplanes don't mix well in a "see and avoid" environment.

"Helicopters fly slower than airplanes, and because they have a small cross section, they are hard to spot -- especially when viewed from directly behind," said Danko, who is also editor of the popular Aviation Law Monitor blog. "That puts them at risk of being rear-ended. It doesn't help matters that helicopters tend to maneuver in a fashion that most airplane pilots find to be unpredictable. Unfortunately, when both a helicopter and airplane are headed to the same spot, or are both looking at the same feature on the ground, the risks of collision can be serious."

For more information about the Danko Law Firm, please visit www.dankolaw.com or call 650.342.6100.

See the original story at: http://lexisnexis.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2746374.htm

See Also:

• The Bandwidth Music | Technology Conference 2009 Announces the "Library Sessions" - Music and Digital Music Discussions
• Advanced Productivity Software Announces New, Upgraded Release of DTE Axiom�
• Raphael Barristers Toronto Personal Injury Lawyers Open Law Office in Thornhill Ontario
• IntegraScan, Leading Background Check Provider, Launches New Free Phone Search, Reverse Phone Search and People Search Tools
• Hopkins & Carley Team Lands $5.8 Million Dollar Verdict in Complex Business Dispute Involving Over $50 Million in Privately Funded Advances

[Via Legal / Law]

• buy generic accutane - order isotretinoin online
• propecia with no prescription - order generic propecia online
• cheap kamagra - order kamagra
• buy cheap viagra online - order sildenafil online
• revia without prescription - order naltrexone online

Compare Drugs | Dirt Cheap Cigarettes