Possession of an instrument rating opens the door to airports when the weather is below basic VFR, provided the aircraft is properly equipped and that someone has a copy of the appropriate instrument approach plate — either electronic or paper — for guidance. Anywhere and in any weather… almost.
FAA Warns of Unauthorized Use of Special Instrument Procedures
Key Takeaways:
- While an instrument rating generally permits access to most airports in poor weather, approximately 40 U.S. airports utilize "Special Instrument Procedures."
- These Special Instrument Procedures demand specific crew training and often special equipment on board the aircraft, going beyond standard instrument rating requirements.
- Pilots must not request or accept ATC clearance for these special procedures without specific FAA-Flight Standards authorization, as doing so introduces potential safety risks.
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