Readback: October 2020

Frank Bowlin

Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 01:47 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article clarifies a January 2020 AIM update (5-4-7.c) that modified language from "must use" to "should use" for higher category minimums when flying faster, and introduced discussions on potentially using lower category minimums.
It explains the appropriate use of "height" (DH/MDH) for generic comparison and procedure design of minimums, contrasting it with the operational "altitude" (DA/MDA) used in flight with barometric altimeters.
While acknowledging safety concerns, the editor generally defends the new flexibility to potentially use lower category minimums for experienced pilots exercising caution, but advises against it for complex scenarios like night circling approaches.
The piece also highlights a surprising lack of fundamental knowledge about procedure turns and their chart symbols among some modern instrument pilots, possibly due to the prevalence of GPS approaches.

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Mins Deep Dive Deep Thought

I read your “Deep Dive into Mins” article in the July issue in which you cite AIM 5-4-7.c. I believe you meant 5-4- 7.a. since I can see no reference in paragraph c for the category minimums you were discussing.

Also, I cannot see any reference in this section of the AIM in which the FAA authorizes the use of lower category minimums while operating at a speed in a higher category. In fact as I read the relevant paragraph it says the opposite, “For example, an airplane which fits into Category B, but is circling to land at a speed of 145 knots, must use the Category D minimums.”