There’s a time-worn technique for flying IFR into an airport that is not served by an instrument approach. Fly the approach into a nearby airport and, when you break out, cancel IFR and fly visually to your planned destination. Although this may seem to be an invitation for illegal scud-running (and I’m certain many have done just that), it can be legal and safe as long as you plan for the transition and maintain VFR for the transitory flight. Here’s how:
- Before taking off, use the sectional chart to locate the maximum elevation figure (MEF) in the quadrant. Remember that MEF is the height of the highest terrain or obstacle in that quadrant on the sectional chart, adding 100 feet, and rounding up to the next 100-foot level. This is not the lowest safe altitude in that quadrant; it’s the height to which you should add 500 to 1000 feet to meet FAR 91.119 Minimum Safe Altitudes.
- Using the sectional, locate any obstacles that are between the airport with the approach and your planned destination.
- Ensure you comply with any airspace requirements, for example, Class B and C rules.
Using the information gained above, determine the precise route and minimum altitude you’ll fly between the airports. Compare that altitude to the reported ceiling and visibility at the airport at which you’ll fly the approach. If you’ll be in Class E airspace, your altitude between the airports must be at least 500 feet below the cloud bases and visibility must be at least three miles. If in Class G, you can accept one mile and clear of clouds. Then:
