Depart with no IAP

Even with proliferating GPS approaches, not all airports have an approach. And, without an approach, there’s no departure procedure. Can you legally get out in IMC?

Mark Kolber

Friday, May 24, 2024 at 08:16 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Part 91 pilots are legally permitted to depart IFR from airports without published instrument approach procedures (IAPs) or official obstacle departure assessments, as specific takeoff minimums and ODPs are not mandatory for these operations.
Despite legality, such departures in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) can be considered careless or reckless (§91.13) due to the "unacceptable hazard" created by operating without FAA-assessed obstacle clearance; pilots are solely responsible for terrain avoidance until reaching the minimum IFR altitude and establishing radar contact with ATC.
Safe IFR departures from these unassessed airports depend critically on the pilot's deep familiarity with the local terrain and surroundings, achieved through prior visual flights, combined with sound personal risk management, as electronic terrain displays alone are insufficient for ensuring obstacle clearance.

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Ellington, Connecticut, has a nontowered Class G airport (7B9) under the edge of the 10-mile ring of the Bradley Class C. Ellington has no instrument approaches. It’s not even displayed on the IFR Low En-Route chart because its 1800-foot runway is less than the 3000 foot minimum needed to be shown.

You’ve planned an IFR flight in a Cessna 172 from Ellington to Long Island MacArthur airport (KISP) to visit family. Your filed flight plan sends you direct to the Hartford VOR where you plan to pick up V1 for the ride to Long Island.