The North Dakota badlands had fascinated John and me for a long time, and we couldn’t think of a better way to enjoy them than from our Comanche 250. In retrospect, we certainly could have chosen a better day.
Sky Kings: When Not to Talk to ATC
Don’t drop the airplane to fly the microphone.
Key Takeaways:
- During an emergency involving severe airframe icing and engine malfunction, the pilots executed an un-cleared IFR approach, prioritizing flying the aircraft over immediate communication with Air Traffic Control.
- The author defends this decision under FAR 91.3, which permits pilots in an inflight emergency to deviate from rules without needing to declare or request permission.
- The experience underscores the critical importance of the "aviate, navigate, then communicate" principle, arguing that in life-threatening situations, focusing on aircraft control before contacting ATC can be a life-saving decision.
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