Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow them to soar magnificently through it.

Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips. Remember... when it comes to being good pilots, we're all in this together.

Aero-Tips 01.09.06

IFR, you drone through the drizzle and fog near your destination. Although you’re below the bases of the overcast, flight visibility is limited to a little over a mile; low-level scud beneath you is beginning to break up. ATC calls: “November 12345, say which approach you request.” There are only two approaches into your destination airport, and either one requires you maneuver quite a way past the field before lining up on the final approach course. Do you have other options? Yes—you can ask for the contact approach and fly directly to the airport.

“Contact” ATC for the approach

A contact approach permits IFR airplanes to fly self-navigated, visual approaches in lieu of published approach procedure.

Conditions for the contact approach:

1. The destination airport must be served by a functioning instrument approach procedure.
2. The flight must be clear of clouds with flight visibility of one mile or greater, with a reasonable expectation that it will remain so until on the ground.

You as pilot must request a contact approach—ATC cannot suggest it for you. On a contact approach you’re responsible for terrain clearance, while ATC will assure separation from other IFR and any Special VFR aircraft. (Note: this differs from a visual approach in that “visuals” require three miles visibility and a 1000 foot ceiling, and ATC can assign a visual approach without waiting for the pilot to ask).

The contact approach does not include any missed approach procedure should you be unable to remain clear of clouds or visibility drop, so be very sure of conditions before you ask.

For more information see www.faa.gov/ATPubs/AIM/Chap5/aim0504.html#5-4-23.

Aero-Tip of the day: If conditions are right request a contact approach to get down sooner, and to free up the approach course for other airplanes.

FMI: Aero-Tips