Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Airport
We left the gate at MTJ and moments later; we announced our intentions on UNICOM frequency 122.8 to cross runway 13/31 at taxiway D on our way to runway 17 via A. Both pilots noted that the airplane was 'clear left and clear right'. Approximately halfway across the runway; an unknown voice on the UNICOM frequency said: 'Air Carrier X be advised that someone is [in] the pattern not talking to anyone on this frequency'. Approximately 1 second later we heard a broken transmission stating '31' and noticed a single engine Cessna had begun its takeoff roll towards us on runway 31. The moment I noticed the aircraft on the runway; I applied power to clear the runway as fast as possible. Once clear; the first voice on the UNICOM; advised the other aircraft that no one could hear his radio calls; and if that pilot could hear this transmission; please key the mike twice. The pilot of the other aircraft keyed the mike twice. From my position on taxiway D prior to entering runway 31/13; I could not see that any aircraft was on runway 31. Additionally; once I noticed the aircraft on its takeoff run; I noticed that the pilot did not have any takeoff; or recognition lights illuminated. We continued our taxi via taxiway A to runway 17; and the flight departed without further incident. Montrose airport should be a controlled field considering its size; and number of daily commercial departures and GA traffic. In addition; all pilots must maintain a high level of alertness when operating in an uncontrolled environment.
A Regional Jet Captain crossing Runway 13/31 at MTJ experiences a conflict with a Cessna departing Runway 31. CTAF procedures were in effect but the Cessna pilot had an extremely weak radio. The Captain believes that MTJ is far too busy to be an uncontrolled airport.