Inquiry concerning the permitted descent below minimums during an upcoming instrument approach.
In the world of aviation, instrument flying can be a challenging task, especially when visibility is low. However, with the right skills and knowledge, pilots can navigate their way to a successful landing even in less-than-ideal conditions.
One crucial aspect of instrument flying is the use of visual references to guide the descent and landing process. These visual cues are critical in transitioning from instrument flight to visual flight, ensuring a safe landing.
To identify runway lights at a pilot-controlled airport, you can use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to turn up the lights. At tower-controlled airports, you can ask the tower to turn the lights on, provided it isn't too busy.
The runway visual references that allow a descent down to 100' above the touchdown zone elevation can be grouped into two main categories. These include approach lighting systems, such as ALSF-1 or ALSF-2, the threshold of the runway, runway lights and markings, the runway touchdown zone or touchdown zone markings, the runway itself, visual glide slope indicators like VASI or PAPI, and other airport visual landmarks that are part of the runway environment.
At KTKI, for instance, the approach light system on Runway 18 is MALSR.
Practicing recognising runway lights can help you pick them out more easily during instrument approaches. This is an essential skill that can significantly enhance safety during instrument flights.
Aside from complying with FAR 91.175(c), which sets the regulatory requirements for descending below decision altitude (DA) or minimum descent altitude (MDA) during an instrument approach, a pilot may descend below minimums and land when certain approved visual references to the runway environment are distinctly visible.
In addition to the standard visual references, pilots equipped with Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) may use the displayed enhanced visual cues to descend below traditional minimums, provided the EFVS visibility meets or exceeds the visibility prescribed in the approach procedure and the required visual references are distinctly visible and identifiable on the EFVS display.
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At the 100' point, other visual references are needed to go lower during the approach. These additional cues help ensure a smooth and safe landing.
In summary, besides meeting FAR 91.175(c) conditions, pilots rely on distinct, approved visual references of the runway environment—such as threshold, touchdown zone markings, approach lighting systems, runway lights, and visual glide slope indicators—to legally descend below minimums and land safely during an instrument approach. Use of EFVS can also authorise descent below minimums if those visual cues are visible through the system.
In the aviation field, instrument flying requires mastering specific skills and knowledge to navigate in poor visibility conditions. This includes the use of visual references for a smoother descent and landing process. To distinguish runway lights at a pilot-controlled airport, one can use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), while tower-controlled airports may include light-on requests if not busy. Runway visual references essential for descent down to 100 feet include approach lighting systems, runway lights, visual glide slope indicators, the runway itself, and airport landmarks. At KTKI, Runway 18 has an MALSR approach light system. Recognizing runway lights can aid pilots during instrument approaches, which is an important skill for ensuring flight safety.
Apart from adhering to FAR 91.175(c), pilots can legally descend below minimums and land during an instrument approach when specific approved visual references, such as threshold, touchdown zone markings, and approach lighting systems, are distinctly visible. Additionally, pilots equipped with Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) can use the displayed enhanced visual cues to descend below traditional minimums, provided EFVS visibility meets or exceeds the approach procedure's prescribed visibility and the visual references are distinctly visible and identifiable on the EFVS display.
Staying updated on flight procedures and learning new technological advancements is crucial in the aerospace industry, finance, and overall flight safety. Subscribing to services like Boldmethod's email service can offer real-world flying tips and information to help enhance instrument flying skills. At the 100 feet point, additional visual references are needed for a smoother and safer approach and landing.
