We espouse always being ready to miss an approach no matter how much we expect to land. How about being ready to call it quits only minutes after we enter the clouds?
Ready to Return in IMC
After a long weekend at the cabin with the family, youve packed up the flying family truckster for the Sunday afternoon return from Rural Island Muni back to Bigtown International. Passing through 1000 feet AGL, you push Direct-Direct to re-center the GPS route and turn on course-no obstacle departure procedure from this uncontrolled field-when the engine stumbles badly.
Key Takeaways:
- IFR pilots should proactively plan for a "departure alternate" – an airport to return to shortly after takeoff in case an issue arises, especially when departing in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
- The selection of a departure alternate should consider factors like weather, available instrument approaches, and convenience, with the decision made calmly before any inflight emergency or abnormality.
- Pilots should prepare cockpit systems (e.g., standby frequencies, secondary GPS flight plans, custom chart groups) to allow for quick and confident execution of the departure alternate plan.
- Having a pre-planned departure alternate helps manage both true emergencies and abnormal situations with reduced stress, offering increased confidence to all occupants.
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