Return Strategies

We were ready to take off from a nontowered airport into a 700-foot overcast ceiling. Through a remote communications outlet (RCO), Id received my IFR clearance with instructions to hold for release and call ATC when I was number one for takeoff. Taxiing out, I saw a Cessna Citation Mustang light jet at the hold line. I swung onto the run-up pad, knowing I had plenty of time because the Mustang pilot would be holding for his release, and I would not be permitted to depart until he was airborne and well away from the airport.

Tom Turner

Monday, October 29, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

The delivery makes for 10 PC-24s in total operated by Jetfly Aviation, based in Luxembourg. Pilatus Aircraft

Key Takeaways:

Pilots should proactively plan a "return-to-airport" strategy as a standard part of IFR departure preflight, especially when departing into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
This strategy involves pre-selecting a specific instrument approach for the departure airport or a suitable alternate, considering factors like wind, available approaches, and personal familiarity.
Cockpit preparation for this return should include having relevant charts readily accessible, pre-tuning frequencies, and noting critical approach information for quick execution.
Such pre-planning reduces pilot workload and stress during various emergency, abnormal, or even non-critical situations that might necessitate aborting the departure, thereby enhancing safety.

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We were ready to take off from a nontowered airport into a 700-foot overcast ceiling. Through a remote communications outlet (RCO), I’d received my IFR clearance with instructions to “hold for release” and call ATC when I was number one for takeoff. Taxiing out, I saw a Cessna Citation Mustang light jet at the hold line. I swung onto the run-up pad, knowing I had plenty of time because the Mustang pilot would be holding for his release, and I would not be permitted to depart until he was airborne and well away from the airport.

A friend and co-worker was in the right seat of our company’s Beech A36 Bonanza. He’s a private pilot and has just begun studying for his instrument written, so this was a good opportunity for a teaching moment. Glancing toward the hold line to confirm the jet was still waiting, I began briefing my passenger on my plans for the departure, including my return-to-the-airport strategy.