LIFEGUARD

avi8tor1983

avi8tor1983

Well-Known Member
PCL thread got me thinking. I was IFR in VFR conditions for the simple fact that under our regs we have to be. I was Lifeguard status with a vent patient on board going to MO. So I'm cruising along to a fuel stop. I called unicom to let them know id need quick turn top off. I go back to listening to center to hear there are two other aircraft going to the airport I am. Both 182's. I'm in a 421. Center tells both 182's that I'm priority and about 50 knots faster but will have the same ETA as them. As I get closer I hear one 182 cancel to go VFR then the second does the same. I think "ok they must be close". Man was I wrong. I get field in sight and cance. Switch coms and say "lifeguard 1234, 15 mile final" this is a single runway airport. Then I hear "Cessna 4321, 8 mile left base" followed by the other one on a 12 mile right base. I ask kindly if they could let me scoot in, I'm in a real hurry. Both of them don't say a word. I call back (5 mile final at this point) to see one 182 cut me off. Then the other one basically screaming in behind him. I have to go around and come back around. My thing is people. If you hear a lifeguard please wait for us. That could be you or a loved one on that airplane. 2 mins means a little more fuel to you. In this case it means a life. I waited while they took their merry time landing and getting off the runway. By the time I went around and could land it was 10 mins past when I should of been on the ground. I know everyone on here would be in the right, but cutting off a lifeflight who is 40 knots faster on the approach than you are. That's just low.
 
I would have had some words for them...you always give way to someone as a lifeguard or that has an emergency. It's a common courtesy.
 
I fly "lifeguard" and "compassion" fairly often and I have never had a situation like yours. I would of definitely had some words with them once I landed.
Aircraft are tagged "lifeguard" and "compassion" for a reason.
 
They could have pulled it back and should have. I didn't have time to go find these guys but if I did I would have. What made it horrible is the second one hit the 1000 footers and rolled all the way to the end so he didn't have to taxi to the FBO. I was hauling A in because I was in our detected Ambo bird. She has spoilers so I was at a good 150 on final. Oh well. I hope they get the message.
 
They probably weren't paying attention, which is perhaps even worse. I've seen plenty of guys who think their radio only transmits, and not just CAP flight.
 
You shoulda given the hell over the radio. I've done it before at un-controled fields. I look at getting out of "lifegaurd" the same as getting out of the way of police/fire/ambulance while driving. The right of way rules for lifegaurd is in nearly any situation, they have the right of way.
 
mshunter said:
You shoulda given the hell over the radio. I've done it before at un-controled fields.' I look at getting out of "lifegaurd" the same as getting out of the way of police/fire/ambulance while driving. The right of way rules for lifegaurd is in nearly any situation, they have the right of way.
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On the bolded, its not the place to. Remember, time and place. A reminder of "hey, we're lifeguard, can we swing in front of you?" is one thing, but if they don't answer or ignore or other idiocy as described by the OP, further "giving hell over the radio" just isn't the place. Handle it on the ground.
 
What DB's IMO. Sorry to hear you got screwed, this is unfortunately becoming common place today at uncontrolled fields. Common courtesy is lacking. I'd say go talk to the pilots but A you don't have the time and B they wouldn't listen to you. I've tried.
 
MikeD said:
On the bolded, its not the place to. Remember, time and place. A reminder of "hey, we're lifeguard, can we swing in front of you?" is one thing, but if they don't answer or ignore or other idiocy as described by the OP, further "giving hell over the radio" just isn't the place. Handle it on the ground.
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You're probably right. It's just hard to keep my mouth shut in a situation like this.
 
Yeah this is pretty outrageous. Fortunately I've never had a similar situation but I would have noted their tail numbers and if I had time would have had words with the pilots on the ground.
 
Although I agree with giving a lifeguard flight the courtsey of being a priority - I do not think your comment about it being life vs death is particularly accurate. If time is that important why use equipment that requires a fuel stop.
 
I_Money said:
Although I agree with giving a lifeguard flight the courtsey of being a priority - I do not think your comment about it being life vs death is particularly accurate. If time is that important why use equipment that requires a fuel stop.
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Seriously? I think OP was trying to make a point on how some pilots become inconsiderate. I have my self witnessed selfishness, especially at non-towered airports.
 
I_Money said:
Although I agree with giving a lifeguard flight the courtsey of being a priority - I do not think your comment about it being life vs death is particularly accurate. If time is that important why use equipment that requires a fuel stop.
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If time wasn't a factor, they could drive people. I'm sure the insurance companies would like alternatives to the cost of flying, but if a doc wants somewhere asap, flying is the way to go.
 
I_Money said:
Although I agree with giving a lifeguard flight the courtsey of being a priority - I do not think your comment about it being life vs death is particularly accurate. If time is that important why use equipment that requires a fuel stop.
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I would counter that with "What if it's the only thing available?", sure a Lear might be faster...but what if it's a situation where the 421 is the only thing that they could use at that point in time.

As a pilot, I don't know what the circumstances are on the LifeGuard aircraft...I just know there is someone on that plane that is sick/injured and I don't need to impede them.
 
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