Amateur/Home Built/Experimental
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 650; Flight Crew Type 250
Other / Unknown
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Ground Incursion Runway
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Airport
Upon returning to my home base; a 2;500 FT grass airstrip; I checked for traffic in the pattern and on the ground. No traffic was sighted in the pattern; but one aircraft was in position to depart on Runway 28. I entered left downwind to Runway 28 at a 45 degree angle. The aircraft on the ground was still in position to depart. I extended my downwind approximately 1/2 mile to give the aircraft on the runway time to go. I turned left base; then final. The aircraft was still on the runway; not moving. I did not know if they were parked; broken down; or still intended to depart. I continued on final and decided to land long unless aircraft on the ground started its takeoff roll. I passed approximated 60 FT above and to the right of the aircraft on the runway and it was still not moving. I continued my final approach and landed 800 FT down the runway. I cleared the runway within 30 seconds and parked my aircraft in front of my hangar. Approximately 5 minutes later; the aircraft on the runway finally departed. My aircraft is a homebuilt with no electrical system or radio; operating in Class E/G airspace. Aircraft on runway was a Cessna 182. Approximately 2 hours after I landed; Mr. X came to my hangar and confronted me in a hostile manner. He informed me that he was in the Cessna 182 that was parked at the end of the runway with the aircraft owner and asked me what my problem was. I asked what he was referring to. He stated that when he is on the runway; he 'owns the runway' and that I should not have landed over him. He ranted that I was reckless and careless in my actions and would contact a friend at the FAA to 'have my licensed revoked; not just suspended; the next time I pulled a stunt like that.'There was never any danger of a collision as the aircraft parked on the runway was always in my sight. I had total control of my aircraft and was prepared to go around had the airplane parked on the runway started its takeoff roll. I would like to reiterate that I confirmed it was not moving as I flew past at an altitude of 60 FT on the right; prior to my landing approximately 800 FT down the runway. It is safe practice at non-towered fields to complete your run-up in the turn-around area and then check for aircraft approaching the field or in the pattern prior to entering the runway for departure. I am still not sure why the Cessna 182 was parked for such an extended period of time on the approach end of the runway. They should have been aware of aircraft in the pattern; and continued to visually clear the airspace; especially while sitting on an active runway. Upon returning home; I located the FAA regulation that was pertinent to this landing. It is FAR 91.113; b & g; both pertaining to the right-of-way of landing aircraft and the vigilance to see and avoid other aircraft. After discussing this situation with other pilots; consensus was that I followed FAA regulations and the aircraft on the runway did not.
Pilot of a small homebuilt aircraft reports returning to his home airport to find a C182 on the approach end of Runway 28 preparing to depart. With no radio or electrical system; the reporter elects to enter the left downwind on the 45. The C182 is still present passing abeam and the downwind is extended. Upon turning final the C182 has not moved and the reporter elects to offset slightly to keep the traffic in sight; then lands.