GA Takeoff Minimums

Many sharp instrument students and pilots, when asked what items must be considered for an IFR departure, go confidently to Section L of the Terminal Procedures Publication, TPP, and talk about the Obstacle Departure Procedures, ODPs. This makes me confident theyre on the right track. But many will then either gloss over or improvise their way through the section on takeoff minimums. This information looks important, with restrictive numbers and climb gradients in it. Many CFIIs, though, just teach that it doesnt matter at this stage. True enough, but knowing a little about them can help us make better departure decisions.

Editorial Staff

Friday, March 06, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

While not legally required for Part 91 flights, adhering to IFR takeoff minimums (standard or nonstandard) is strongly advised for safety and good judgment.
The standard IFR takeoff minimum is one statute mile visibility for single/twin-engine aircraft, but nonstandard minimums are published (e.g., in TPP Section L) with specific visibility, ceiling, or climb gradient requirements when obstacles exist.
Nonstandard minimums ensure obstacle clearance either visually or through a higher climb rate, and adopting risk management strategies used by commercial operators (like specialized training or a takeoff alternate for low visibility) is prudent.

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Many sharp instrument students and pilots, when asked what items must be considered for an IFR departure, go confidently to Section L of the Terminal Procedures Publication, TPP, and talk about the Obstacle Departure Procedures, ODPs. This makes me confident they’re on the right track. But many will then either gloss over or improvise their way through the section on takeoff minimums. This information looks important, with restrictive numbers and climb gradients in it. Many CFIIs, though, just teach that it doesn’t matter at this stage. True enough, but knowing a little about them can help us make better departure decisions.

In all of Part 91 (outside Subpart K), there’s only one area that discusses takeoff minimums. Specifically, 91.175(f) is titled “Civil Airport Takeoff Minimums.” Part 91 pilots hoping for guidance are disappointed with the first sentence: “Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no pilot operating an aircraft under parts 121, 125, 129, or 135 of this chapter…” Despite this fact, let’s play along and see what it is the for-hire folks have to do. If it’s good for them, there might be something there for us, eh?