Safety
FAA Issues Midair Collision Warning in Charleston
Turbine aircraft need to be especially careful in this corridor

The FAA Safety Team has issued a notice to help prevent midair collisions near Charleston International Airport (KCHS) in South Carolina, as well as surrounding general aviation facilities such as Berkeley County Airport (KMKS), Mount Pleasant Regional Airport (KLRO), and Summerville Airport (KDYB). An FAA spokesperson told AIN that the notice should not have referred to actual midair collisions but to “several near-midair collisions” that have taken place in the area.

Caution is especially required for VFR pilots arriving and departing these airports and for aircraft, “especially turbine aircraft,” picking up IFR clearances when airborne. A Class C clearance is required if above 1,200 feet in the outer ring. However, the notice advises that, even if clear of the Class C airspace, pilots should contact Tracon to advise intentions. Critical frequencies include 121.7 when on the east side of the area and 120.7 on the west side.