It didn't have to happen

On the morning of January 10, 2011, a 1975 Thrush ag-plane hit a MET (Meteorological Evaluation Tower) in the California Delta. The impact sheared off part of the aircraft’s wing, resulting in a fatal crash. AgAir Update’s sincere condolences go to the pilot’s family.

Ironically, January 5, 2011, the FAA issued a Proposed Revision to Advisory Circular (AC); request for comments. The FAA is considering revising the current AC on Obstruction Marking and Lighting to include marking guidance for METs. Currently, METs fall outside of the regulation of the FAA, even though they present a clear and distinct hazard to ag-flying. They are not marked, nearly impossible to see and often portable.

The FAA is seeking comments on or before February 4, 2011 (click here to read the docket, then click within the docket to comment using docket number 2010-1326). At this point, the FAA does not seem to think the METs warrant regulation. Maybe after January 10’s fatal accident with a MET, the FAA will rethink their position. Your comments could be a deciding factor. METs affect every ag-pilot.

The MET involved in the accident was a portable unit with guy wires and no cement foundation. One observer was quoted as saying the tower was nearly invisible from the ground, and likely much more so from the air. Where is the conscience of the MET people? Is a life not worth the inconvenience to properly mark the MET? Obviously, Renewable Resources Group didn’t think so (listed on the tower Contra Costa Co. application).

Markings and regulations are not enough. METs’ positions should be entered into an accessible database that ag-pilots can monitor. It would be even better if a notification system could be established where ag-pilot subscribers would receive alerts when a tower is installed, with its lat-long position. How hard would that be?

METs are so dangerous to ag-flying, that unless immediate action is taken by the FAA and those who own the METs to address this safety issue, it will happen again. Pilots do not survive crashes involving towers. I can only imagine my liability if I was to erect an unmarked tower where it would affect flight safety. I feel confident the courts would find me negligent.