What does 'too close' look like?
Nov 10, 2006 | 8:25 pm
#16
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: CO PLT, HH DIA
Posts: 1,461
Originally Posted by scoow
A good arguement for keeping your seatbelt fastened, regardless of whether or not the sign is lit! I was on a flight several years ago, approaching our destination so everyone was already buckled in with 'tray tables up'. The plane suddenly went nose down, banked hard left & dropped a couple thousand feet. Yes, my hearing has recovered. No thanks to the lady sitting beside me who decided to scream her head off, convinced that we were all going to die. It was not typical turbulence. Nor was it even close to a typical landing descent. I later learned that a private plane crossed too close & the TCAS kicked-in. Unfortunately, I never saw the other plane, so I can't say how close it looked.
--PP
Nov 10, 2006 | 8:28 pm
#17
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: CO PLT, HH DIA
Posts: 1,461
Originally Posted by HSaxa
I was on a recent transcon staring out the window and listening to Ch9 when another UA jet came flying by in the opposite direction and a little below us. It looked really close. Of course, I am no expert on this, but maybe someone can tell me ways of knowing when close is too close? Meaning, I know the requirement is 1000ft or something like that, but what does that look like when you're staring out the window? 
Comment #1: I doubt anyone is gonna get on the radio and say "Hey, United 532, thanks for parting my %&@&$* hair for me!"
Comment #2: If you can look in the windows of the OTHER plane and read the words "STANRDARD AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE" in the little plastic holder above the boarding door, THAT was what "too close" looked like.
--PP