In a perfect world, wed always take off into clear skies. If were going to get any utility out of IFR airplanes, however, there will be times when we take off with reduced visibility and/or low clouds-an instrument departure. Transitioning from visual to instrument flight quickly after liftoff, while accelerating and still close to the ground, takes precision to be performed safely. How do pilots “on a mission” to take off into low ceilings or visibility plan and execute a safe departure? Into Veiled Skies 288
On a Mission: LIFR Departures
In a perfect world, wed always take off into clear skies. If were going to get any utility out of IFR airplanes, however, there will be times when we take off with reduced visibility and/or low clouds-an instrument departure. Transitioning from visual to instrument flight quickly after liftoff, while accelerating and still close to the ground, takes precision to be performed safely. How do pilots "on a mission" to take off into low ceilings or visibility plan and execute a safe departure? Dave Dewhirst runs Wichita, Kansas-based SABRIS, managing high-performance piston, light twin and light turbine aircraft around the country, with a network of mechanics and flight instructors helping assure safe operation by pilots in the managed fleet. The first key to safe IFR departures, says Dewhirst, is to "take a deep breath" before taxiing onto the runway, ensuring theres time to make certain all checklist items are complete. This includes briefing the departure, briefing passengers, along with all those little things like navigation and transponder settings, security of doors and windows, checking for seat belts closed in the door to flap against the fuselage in flight, and the like.
Key Takeaways:
- Pilots must conduct meticulous pre-departure planning, utilizing thorough checklists and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent distractions and ensure all systems are correctly configured for an instrument departure.
- Upon liftoff into IMC, it is crucial to immediately establish a specific and assertive pitch attitude (e.g., 5-14 degrees nose up) to achieve a strong positive rate of climb, relying on the attitude indicator for precision.
- Exercise caution with automation; defer autopilot engagement until well clear of the ground (e.g., not within the first 60 seconds or below 400-1000 feet AGL for single-pilot operations) to ensure manual control and allow time to manage any malfunctions or programming errors.
- Always plan for contingencies, including having briefed approach charts for the departure airport or a designated "departure alternate," especially when departing into weather conditions below typical arrival minimums.
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