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Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 17:34:24 -0500
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PilotC150 wrote:

> >I think the acronym you
> >were looking for, though was "NORDO."

> I've always wondered this, what does NORDO mean??

NO RaDiO.  Also sometimes (improperly) used to describe
planes which aren't properly utilizing their radio to
communicate on the appropriate advisory frequency.

If the plane in question is an older taildragger, it may
not have a radio (many older planes have no electrical
system and have unshielded ignition which fills handhelds
with noise).  

If the plane in question looks like a modern Piper, Cessna
etc, chances are it has a radio and the pilot is just
clueless about where he is or with whom he's supposed to
communicate (for example, some IFR pilots have the mistaken
notion that when ATC clears them for approach at an uncontrolled
airport, this gives them some kind of priority and they don't
have to make calls on CTAF or join the pattern in VMC).

Incidents such as the close call described lead to periodic
rants about banning NORDO planes from public airports and
requiring radios, which is why it's important to consider
whether the cause is lack of radio, or improper use thereof.

Snow"probably more answer than you wanted"bird


