Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 11; Flight Crew Total 1916; Flight Crew Type 820
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Human Factors; Procedure
Preparing to depart DTS (Destin FL). Checked weather on 133.925. Because winds favored runway 32; I announced taxi and proceeded to 32. Eglin Clearnance-Delivery has two Freq's; 121.6 and 127.6. I selected the first; 121.6 and contacted Eglin Clearance-Delivery. During the clearance; I was asked if I was at runway 14. I responded no but; I was willing to taxi to 14 if needed. I was told that was not necessary and given my clearance (After takeoff; fly 32 downwind not to exceed 1000 feet; Eglin departure 124.25).I switched the radio over to CTAF; 123.075 and performed my engine run-up. I announced on 123.075 that I was taking the 32 active for take-off and checked for landing traffic from the south before proceeding onto the runway.During roll out I notice a reflection from the other end of the runway and became concerned that something was on the runway. Already at Vx I pulled the aircraft off the ground and maneuvered to the right of the runway over the grass and continued climbing out. I then heard on the radio 'how do you hear me now' and then saw another aircraft turn and exit the runway. That is the first time I heard any transmission from that aircraft. That aircraft must have heard my radio transmission and aborted it's take-off. (I assume it was taking off because I heard it transmit to Eglin on 124.25).I know that Eglin Clearance-Delivery is only giving clearance for their airspace and is not responsible for the DTS ground operation but; if Eglin Clearance-Delivery was talking to the other aircraft on 127.6 or knew of aircraft lining up to take off on opposite ends of the runway; it would have been nice to have been informed. It may help to eliminate one of the two Freq's so that all aircraft are aware of each other. Also; if the other aircraft was on an IFR clearance; that it be directed to monitor and broadcast on CTAF. If the other aircraft transmitted its take-off intentions; I don't know why I did not hear them. I also notice that this is a recurring problem at this airport. DTS desperately needs a tower to prevent these type of situations from happening.
The pilot of a general aviation aircraft reported a ground conflict at DTS; a non-towered airport; while departing on an instrument flight plan. The reporter noted that this is a recurring problem at DTS and feels that a tower is needed.