The Short-Final Scud Run

J. Mac McClellan

Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 11:11 PM ET

Verified

Chris Gall

Key Takeaways:

The transition from instrument flight to visual landing in low visibility is inherently difficult and risky, a challenge not fully addressed by older simulators or general aviation training methods.
Some published instrument approach minimums (MDA/DH and visibility) contradict FAA rules requiring a "normal" visual approach, creating scenarios where a legal descent is unsafe or impossible without radical maneuvering.
A capable autopilot is presented as an essential "second crew member" for single pilots, allowing them to divide attention between external visuals and critical instruments during the challenging final visual segment of an approach.
Ultimately, safe instrument approaches demand pilot discipline to prioritize a clear view of the runway and the ability to execute a normal landing, rather than pushing the zero-margin-for-error limits defined by approach chart minimums.

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June 2010 NOT ALL THAT long ago even the best full-motion jet simulators had very basic visual presentations that were restricted to nothing more than a view straight ahead through the windshield.

Most simulators had a television-style screen mounted in each pilot’s windshield, and you couldn’t really see anything except the display on your side. And there were no visual displays for the cockpit side windows. It was the best technology the 1970s and early ’80s could provide.