Note: The following letter was originally sent to James R. Warmkessel, the author of November’s article, Seeing And Avoiding, and is used here with the writer’s permission.
I just finish rereading your November 2022 article, “Seeing And Avoiding,” and want to thank you for your perspective and sending the message of “avoidance.”
The occupants in the 340, Carl and Nannette Kruppa, were dear friends of mine. I met Carl while attending a Twin Cessna Flyers “Systems and Engines” seminar in Henderson, Nevada. Carl was a man who listened and digested the information being given and on occasion would ask meaningful/direct questions. We also attended many Twin Cessna Pilot Conventions across the country with Carl and Nan. They stayed with my wife, Maryanne and I, at our home in Redwood City just days before the accident. It was very emotional for us, not to mention, the impact on their families and friends, as well as the pilot of the 152 and his family.
I had flown with Carl several times and many hours, and found him to be a cautious and competent pilot. The poor decisions made by both pilots on that fateful day, I will never understand. It continues to bother me.
The golden rule, “Recognize the possible outcomes…” as you stated were obviously not concerning to either pilot but remain troublesome to me. I don’t blame the 152 pilot as he was fairly green, but do place the heaviest weight on my friend as he knew his plane, his speed and that of the 152! It seems he just wanted to get there fast. Unfortunately, that was his last fast approach. A very sad outcome to say the least! Aircraft operating at a non-towered field, knowing other traffic lurks nearby, need to take extra precaution and get a visual on the threat before closing the distance. This accident could have been easily avoided!
Since the accident, I continue to be diligent and look for any incoming traffic (hoping to see Carl and Nan’s plane land ahead of me, but it will never happen) and be a safer pilot.
Bob DoBel – San Carlos, Calif.
CROSSWIND BALANCING ACTS
Good article (“Crosswind Balancing Acts” March 2023)! As a flight instructor, after my students had the techniques down, I told them that the airplane would tell them what they needed to do. Also, the crosswind will vary on the approach and close to the ground may actually diminish. I also recommend full flaps and normal airspeed (except for the gust factor).
Paul Meinhardt, CFI – Via email
GETTING YOUR EFB ONLINE
I’d like to expand on something in Ryan Motte’s article on EFBs, “A Pilot’s Best Friend?” in the February 2023 issue.
The cellular iPad has an internal GPS as Ryan implied. However, you do not need to purchase a monthly cellular phone number just for your iPad for the rare time you may be at an FBO without WiFi. When that happens just link your iPad to your iPhone’s hotspot.
David Shepherd – Via email
This is absolutely true, and we’ve often set up a hotspot with our cellphone when trying to get online with a WiFi-only device. Also, many cellular carriers offer data-only SIM cards for no additional charge, or a small one-time fee. Any data used likely will be billed at the same as when using your phone.
KUDOS
I hope to see more articles by Matt Johnson in future issues. He’s interesting, informative and humorous with a style that’s very easy to read.
Gregg Solove – Albuquerque N.M.
Thanks! We’ll see what we can do about keeping him around, but don’t tell anybody—we wouldn’t want him to get the idea he could ask for a raise or something.
