How, why, where, when to file a "near miss"??

[SierraPilot123]

I had my first "near miss" flying today. I was entering on the 45 in a 172 and a 152 on the upwind was told to follow behind me.

As I began to turn 45 to downwind I noticed the 152 heading directly towards the right side of my fuselage 20 feet below. He failed to see me on the 45 and decided to turn cross wind early, putting both of us within 100 ft. of eachother. I wasn't happy. The tower barked at him for not identifying us before turning.

When I taxied off the runway the tower asked if I wanted to file a "near miss". I wasn't sure what was involved and what the criteria was for it. I don't remember ever reading about this in the FARS. Can someone with more knowledge please advise.

Thanks.

[jrh]

I've never heard of such a report either. Maybe the controller was referring to a NASA ASRS report?

Whatever the case, reports are usually filed for two reasons--to get somebody in trouble, and/or improve safety in some way.

From what you described, it wouldn't be very productive to get the C-152 pilot in trouble. He's probably learned his lesson and will be more careful. And since you and the controller didn't do anything wrong, there isn't much to say. Could you have done anything differently to prevent the incident? It doesn't sound like it, so what is there to report?

Close calls happen. I wouldn't bother with a report in this case.

[wheelsup]

I think we can all see the biggest issue here is that "upwind" was used instead of "departure". That easily would have prevented this "near miss". WTF is that anyway, a near miss is a freaking HIT in my book!

To actually answer your question, it's probably an ASRS form. Unless the tower said something about a "pilot deviation" I wouldn't worry about it, unless you think it's a common thing to happen at that location, and want to call the FAA's attention to it.

[SierraPilot123]

Ya that is what I figured. I am not out to get anyone in trouble and I don't think it is common at our airport. It was probably just a weekend flyer with little experience. Anyhow it was still too close for comfort, especially having a passenger on board for her first small plane flight.

I just wasn't sure what the criteria what for near miss and where I could find more info. I will check up on the ASRS stuff when I get some time. Thanks.

Originally Posted by wheelsup

I think we can all see the biggest issue here is that "upwind" was used instead of "departure". That easily would have prevented this "near miss".

I am not quite sure what you mean by this?

[flyguy]

Good grief, here we go again.

[EatSleepFly]

A Near Mid Air Collision Report is different (very different) than an ASRS report. ATC is never going to ask you if you'd like to fill out an ASRS report. ASRS is a commonly misunderstood safety program run by NASA. The FAA has nothing to do with it. The reports get stripped of all identifying info. which gets returned to you so you can sleep tight, thinking that you are absolved of whatever sin you committed, should the FAA get a wild hair and decide to investigate whatever it was. (This may or more likely may not be the case, but that's another topic.) The rest of the info. then goes into a database for people to read when they're bored.

You can, of course, fill out an ASRS report for literally almost anything, near mid air included.

All NMAC reports, on the other hand, are investigated by a FSDO.

Read AIM 7-6-3 for details on a NMAC report.

There is no actual "form," just a list of items to be reported in writing to a FSDO or via radio to ATC or FSS.

Personally, I'd keep my trap shut, but if you really like dealing with the FAA unnecessarily- read the above and have at it. Don't procrastinate though, because the "evidence" won't be around forever.

[jrh]

Originally Posted by EatSleepFly

Read AIM 7-6-3 for details on a NMAC report.

Cool. I learned something new!

I'm with EatSleepFly though...sounds like you'd be opening a can of worms. I doubt the FAA could do anything to "the system" improve safety, and you never know who might get in trouble if an investigation starts. I'd let it be.

[SierraPilot123]

Cool. Thanks for the info and AIM references. I won't be reporting anything.

[wheelsup]

Originally Posted by flyguy

Good grief, here we go again.

I thought you could tell it was sarcasm, I guess not .

[moxiepilot]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

I thought you could tell it was sarcasm, I guess not .

i thought it was funy, but then again my humor is wickedly warped

[I_WANNA_BE_ATP]

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

i thought it was funy, but then again my humor is wickedly warped

Dude, it's 2 n's fuNNy. And this comign from teh the worlds worse speller!! and typist.

You working too many hours ??? There is another thread all about fatigue and mental ability (but I know you, therefore I know you mental ability )

But in your case, working too much means a good thing, what ya doing 100 plus hours instructing ????

[moxiepilot]

Originally Posted by I_WANNA_BE_ATP

what ya doing 100 plus hours instructing ????

100+ hrs downloading porn is more like it.

i'm getting in my fair shake of hrs per day though