Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 120; Flight Crew Total 3322; Flight Crew Type 2700
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Airspace Structure; Airport
While waiting behind a preceding aircraft at the departure end of Runway 35; my student positioned the aircraft to have a view of the final approach and left and right base legs to Runway 35. When the preceding aircraft took the runway for departure; the student taxied up to the hold short line to observe the departing aircraft. Due to the high wing configuration of the training aircraft; we were no longer able to see the left base portion of the traffic pattern. The preceding aircraft aborted his take off and there was a delay in clearing the runway. Once that aircraft was clear of the runway; both the student and myself visually cleared the final approach course and the student announced his intention to depart on the CTAF. As the student positioned the aircraft on the runway; we heard a weak and broken radio call the only word we heard clearly was 'runway'; another look out the right side did not reveal any other aircraft; however the view was restricted by the right wing.Almost immediately; a shadow passed over the aircraft and we observed an agricultural aircraft pass overhead conducting a go around. Other than the one transmission concerning 'runway'; there were no radio communications from the landing aircraft; but we understand that this is a common practice.Contributing factors were:An uncontrolled airport.A student pilot who was unfamiliar with this uncontrolled airport and the agricultural aircraft that operate there.The delay created by the aircraft ahead aborting his takeoff.Take-aways:Had the aircraft been left as originally positioned until the preceding aircraft had cleared the runway; we would have been in a better position to see the approaching agricultural aircraft as he entered on a close-in left base.Having moved into a position that restricted the view of the base leg before the aircraft ahead aborted; we should have done a slow 360 degree turn to recheck those areas that were now obstructed by aircraft structure.Finally; at the first hint of something wrong; that broken radio call 'runway'; we should have stopped right where we were and asked for a repeat. Just because it was weak and broken; does not mean that it wasn't another pilot on the taxiway behind us who was in a better position to see the aircraft turning base to final very close in.After returning to our home base the student was thoroughly debriefed and gave input into how we both could do better in the future.For my part; I will discuss this event with all my students so as to re-enforce safety practices. I will also insist that all students do a 360 turn to scan for traffic every time they depart an uncontrolled airport.
During a training flight; me; a student pilot; and my instructor were taxiing to Runway XX. There was a Cessna in front of us finishing its run-up. As said Cessna was taking the runway for takeoff; I entered the run-up area and checked final for any traffic. I then positioned the aircraft behind the hold short line with my nose pointing perpendicular to the runway. This gave me a good view of the departing Cessna. The Cessna; however; did not take off; but instead slowly rolled down the runway before exiting via a taxi way midfield. Seeing that the runway was now clear; I did one more check for any traffic on final and saw nothing. I did the same for the opposite end of the runway. Again; no incoming traffic. I made a radio call announcing that I was taking the runway for takeoff; then began to taxi onto the runway before stopping due to a very faint and static-y radio call from what I believed to be the Cessna that had just exited the runway. All I heard from the call was the word; 'runway'. I continued my taxi and began to line up with the center line. Just before adding full power for takeoff; a large crop duster aircraft flew directly overhead no more than 50 ft above our aircraft. I immediately came to a full stop after applying full brakes.The crop duster aborted his landing and climbed out above the runway. Startled by the occurrence; it took me a few seconds to process what happened and I continued my takeoff; which after this occurrence; was uneventful.WHAT I COULD HAVE DONE BETTERThis close call could have easily been avoided. The area in the vicinity of the airport was rural; with fields everywhere. I had also seen the crop duster operating over some fields relatively close to the airfield while we were in the pattern. Therefore; it was crucial to be aware of any crop dusters in the area; especially because; as I have just learned today; don't use radios. Furthermore; in Class G airspace at an uncontrolled airport; while radio usage is highly advised; it is not required.Taking this into account; it is clear that had I done a more thorough scan of final AND downwind; (because I'm assuming the crop duster was on downwind and had made a very tight base and final); this could have been avoided. Additionally; I was operating a high-wing aircraft and had positioned myself with the nose perpendicular to the runway. This meant that I only had a partial view of final; and virtually no view of base or downwind. Therefore; I could have positioned myself with the nose facing final which would have given me a much better view of base and the last quarter of the downwind leg.A full 360 degree turn in the run up area would also have been better to give me a full view of any traffic in the pattern.Finally; the static-y radio call from what I assumed to be the Cessna exiting the runway could have been someone else; or more importantly; could have been a warning that an aircraft was coming in to land. I should have said 'last transmission; say again' in order to be clear as to what they were trying to communicate.As a student pilot; this experience was invaluable in the way of training; and I will not forget it.
A flight instructor and a student reported a near miss at a non-towered airport.