tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510895126408960571.post2779688607906316701..comments2023-11-10T05:21:02.149-05:00Comments on N631S: Low IFR DeparturesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510895126408960571.post-37141461046144879502010-03-20T10:43:30.458-04:002010-03-20T10:43:30.458-04:00Keith, I think you have a typo in your comment. I...Keith, I think you have a typo in your comment. I think that you meant 540' MSL (the published minimum for the CDW LOC RWY 22 with KOLLI intersection) is the same as 367' *AGL* which compares with the METAR ceilings, or more accurately 367' HAA.<br /><br />-LarryLarryPetrohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06399041030479944251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510895126408960571.post-67965201713672782032009-11-28T10:09:27.504-05:002009-11-28T10:09:27.504-05:00Frank,
That's completely understandable, part...Frank,<br /><br />That's completely understandable, particularly since there was probably little value in noting the difference when flying out of an airport during your training that had an elevation of 7ft.<br /><br />It's always fun and interesting to read about other pilots' styles, techniques and thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to post yours!<br /><br />If you're interested, you can keep up with my flights at the <a href="http://keith.tristesse.com" rel="nofollow">KS flight log</a>.Keith Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14550719755202468279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510895126408960571.post-85973404633406782882009-11-28T08:15:50.560-05:002009-11-28T08:15:50.560-05:00Keith:
Thanks for your comment. You're the se...Keith:<br /><br />Thanks for your comment. You're the second person to draw my attention to my sloppiness about the MSL vs AGL minima. I admit it's an occasional blind spot of mine, that I attribute at least in part to having "grown up" flying from an essentially "sea level" airport (KBDR).<br /><br />In any case, one of the reasons I write these things is to learn from others, so I thank you. I hope you'll keep dropping by.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />FrankFrank Van Hastehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10821687850881538546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510895126408960571.post-14640835368110681062009-11-27T20:36:00.816-05:002009-11-27T20:36:00.816-05:00Very interesting post! Here's a quiz question...Very interesting post! Here's a quiz question for ya, you're heading to Caldwell (KCDW), planning to shoot the LOC RWY 22. You check the METAR, OVC004. If you can identify the KOLLI intersection, the minimums are 540ft. What are the chances we're going to be able to make this approach? Pretty dreadful, right?<br /><br />Actually, no...you're in good shape! It's _vital_ to remember that ceilings in METARs are AGL, whereas your eye is drawn to the MSL minimums on a typical NACO chart. At CDW, that 540' MSL is actually 367' MSL.<br /><br />Always look at the smaller numbers on the approach plates when contemplating approaches to minimums.<br /><br />Flying IFR in any real weather does take on some measure of risk with regard to emergency situations. If you have an engine failure in IMC, it's less likely to be about whether ceilings are 100ft above or below minimums, and much more about the amount of time you have between breaking out and contacting the ground, in terms of finding a spot to put it down.<br /><br />Outside of an emergency situation, just make sure you have a rock solid option in terms of somewhere to land, even if it's a little further away.<br /><br />I've departed from my home airfield, N07, the lowest approach for which requires > 1000' ceilings on days with 500ft ceilings. I just accept that I won't be going back there if there's a problem, but will instead shoot for nearby KCDW (small wonder, then, that I picked that example above!)Keith Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14550719755202468279noreply@blogger.com