Amateur/Home Built/Experimental
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 3; Flight Crew Total 1175; Flight Crew Type 250
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
On a northerly heading on the east side of a Class D airspace; I called the Tower requesting to transition the Class D airspace; the Tower then informed me of a Cessna 172 that had just departed [the airport] on an IFR flight plan. I was asked; and did; IDENT on 1200. And at that time; I did not have the aircraft in sight. The Tower instructed me to perform a right 360 degree turn to increase separation; which I did. Upon rolling out wings level; I then saw the 172 climbing at my 11:00; heading east; and I informed the Tower of this. To improve our separation; I descended a couple hundred feet and the C172 passed directly over me by; I estimate; 300 FT to 500 FT. At NO time did I feel in danger; because I clearly saw the other aircraft and was easily able to provide VFR separation; but I assume the TRACON facility; controlling the C172's departure; was concerned. I called the Tower and said 'I bet that looks real 'good' on the TRACON's radar screen'; and the Tower operator; with some exasperation; agreed. In hindsight; it would have been better had I been instructed to initially perform an immediate left turn; which would have put me well South of the climbing/departing aircraft. To repeat; I was never concerned about the incident or felt either aircraft was in jeopardy; but in hindsight; I believe an immediate LEFT turn; rather than the right 360; would have been a better solution.
The pilot of an experimental aircraft was operating in the vicinity of Class D airspace. When he contacted the Tower Controller to request transition through the airspace; he was advised of an IFR departure from that airport. When he could not acquire the aircraft visually; the Tower suggested a 360 degree turn for separation. When he completed that orbit; he observed the traffic; and descended. He estimated that the aircraft passed over him within 300-500 FT.