It has come to our attention that some pilots at the Mansfield Municipal Airport have been taxiing into position on the runway for take off, and holding there waiting for an aircraft to clear the runway. Additionally, these pilots may be intentionally taking possession of the runway to cut ahead of an approaching aircraft to expedite their departure.

We see this as an unsafe practice and seek your assistance in halting this activity. Please refer to the attached “Safety Advisor” published by AOPA, page 3, the “Safety Tip”. As stated in that “safety tip”, the practice of holding on a runway at a non-towered airport is not recommended. The aircraft holding is in an extremely vulnerable position with no way of seeing traffic behind the aircraft. If the holding aircraft has cut off an approaching pilot, this parallels the “road rage” that we see on our congested highways and is careless, reckless and strictly forbidden.

Mansfield Municipal Airport is extremely busy and impatient pilots, both local and transient, will often find ways to expedite the personal operation. This particular practice as well as improper pattern procedures and “cutting off” traffic flying the pattern correctly jeopardize everyone’s safety and eventually lead to disaster. Please insure that proper pattern entries at a 45-degree angle to downwind, midfield are the norm at Mansfield.

We thank you for your assistance in keeping Mansfield Municipal Airport safe.