rvmills
Well Known Member
<snip>
Where do you instrument-rated guys/gals draw the line?
Thanks,
Pierre,
Short answer, the line is pretty fluid, and its based on judgement…of the situation, the aircraft, and the pilot's overall experience...and current readiness.
A good analogy for you would be your comfort level with low altitude ops. I'm sure you make calls on a daily basis at work on whether to take a heavy load into a specific field with challenging terrain or obstacles, or challenging temps and DA. Its a safe bet I'd make a no-go call in situations where you would go, based on your experience…and my lack thereof (in Ag Ops). For me to go when you would go may be foolish…especially since I know you are perty dern bad@$$ down low!
As many have said, good call…for you…in those conditions…on that day. You drew your line and stuck with it. Good job, and honestly, who cares where my line is! If I've been working my way to consistent 500' or lower approaches, maybe its a good decision to go for me…but that should have zero weight on your decision.
Interesting timing on the question though, as I'm installing an SL-30 now, and that will give my RV its first IFR approach capability. FWIW, it'll be a while before I go to 500', if I ever do. Time and training will tell. Single pilot IFR is work…those that do it regularly are likely some of the best, most current instrument pilots flying (IMHO). Single engine, single pilot IFR brings in even more considerations. I respect it a lot, regardless of what I do at work.
That being said, we all tend to judge ourselves, or measure ourselves by what others my or may not do. That's not all bad, as we learn from each other and reinforce each others' good decisions (and sometimes our not so good ones). Like Widget said…good for what-ifs and hangar flying. Once you pull it out of the hangar, its 100% your call!
And FWIW, airline guys make these decisions and judgement calls all the time. 121 and 91 may place different limitations, and company policy does as well. We may have different equipment and a different support structure, but when its marginal, the meat of the decision-making process is no different. Nor is the pair of shoulders on which the responsibility rests...and I don't really care what Captain Intrepid does with his jet!
Cheers,
Bob
I don't like to wear a hood so when the days are 500' I go flying to stay current. I will fly to minimums but must always have an out.
I also don't have a problem with 0-0 departure if I know it is a thin ground layer with at least 50' RVR. Not really a 0-0.
Mark,
Not a face shot, but maybe a discussion generator…one of those hangar flying sessions. Where's the out if its 50' RVR and you lose the motor on TO? 50' is pretty close to zero…heck, even at work...two engines, two pilots…and we need a lot more than 50' (not sure transmissometers go that low!). Also gotta have a takeoff alternate that the remaining motor will get us to. Just food for thought from an RV bro!
Cheers,
Bob
Last edited: