Night Fright

jwanwest

Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 10:05 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article outlines a challenging IFR flight simulator scenario, an out-and-back between Santa Maria (KSMX) and Bakersfield (L45), set at deep nighttime with low visibility, low ceilings, and strong winds.
The outbound leg to L45 involves a specific SID and an RNAV approach requiring careful descent planning due to terrain, emphasizing the need for an approach-capable GPS.
The return leg to KSMX poses a significant challenge in selecting a suitable approach, as many options are restricted at night, potentially leading to the need for a diversion due to high minimums or unsafe conditions.
The simulation stresses the importance of thorough flight planning, adherence to complex procedures, backing up GPS with VOR navigation, understanding terrain restrictions and approach minimums, and considering real-world factors like fatigue.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Today’s Sim Challenge is just an out-and-back. You’ll start on the ramp at Santa Maria, California, (KSMX) and hop over the hills a scant 76 NM to Bakersfield Muni (L45). Leg Two is just the reverse. Simple … except you’ll set the outside visuals to deep nighttime with ceilings of 1000 feet at KSMX and visibility of 1.5 SM. Dial up a nice NW wind. Say 320 @ 15—or more if you’re feeling game. If you can, add a stiff wind at altitude. Something like 40-50 knots out of the northwest by 5000 feet.

Set the skies to broken clouds. Several layers would be best. Visibility can be anywhere from two SM to 20 as you wish. The big issue on visibility for this flight will be the absence of sunlight: Set the sim to be night time.