Listen to Live Air Traffic Control.

[Mahnarch]

It's not a new concept but, it seems to be expanding.

I was just reminded about Live ATC over your computer machine where you can climb into the cockpit of many flights and listen to contacts between pilots and Traffic Centers.

This is any pilot; from the Boeing 747 (know as "United Airlines" etc) to the dinky Cessna C152 that is one of my favorites.

www.liveatc.net/



There are several sites doing this now. If LiveATC doesn't have an airport of your interest you can just google "live ATC" to get a list of others.

They all open up in your existing Windows Media Player (or MAC equivalent).

Just remember. ATC isn't a constant buzz of talking. There are times when everything is going alone quietly.

Obviously, the bigger the airport the more conversations take place.

See how well you can understand and follow instructions in your imaginary aircraft!

And, listen to those Brits and their funny accents - mostly arriving or departing JFK.

[Phil]

What happens if there's 2 or more planes needing a runway? How do they determine who comes in 1st and who circles the airport?

I've flown commercial flights all my life but never a private plane.

[Mahnarch]

Commercial flights are on a schedule - take off and landing.

The Destination Airport knows hours ahead of time and give them a window. Plus they're updated by ARTCC if something comes up (head wind, tail wind, etc.)

They also have a good idea of how fast a Boeing 747 can land and how fast a Cessna 172 can land and exit the runway.

That's why when I call up ATC I say: "Grand Rapids Approach, Cessna 64943 is type Skyhawk...."

It's easier for a Cessna Skyhawk to go into a holding pattern than a jumbo jet, so the Jet usually get first turn if they show up at the same time.

Besides; A Cessna starts it's final approach about a mile away from the airport.
A 747 starts it's final about 25 miles out. So, it is kind of apples and oranges. We just do what ATC tells us to do.....unless it's to "F--- OFF!"