Zero-Zero Departures

I read Zero-Zero Departures in your December 2014 issue with great interest. Like the author, I have heard over the years many of the same comments about zero-zero departures. They are risky, stupid, crazy, a death-wish, etc. While most of these comments largely are overstatement, unlike the author, I do agree with the naysayers: A zero-zero departure is riskier than a missed approach. The risk is in the first 200 feet the author with a wave of his pen dismisses.

Key Takeaways:

• The author argues that zero-zero departures are significantly riskier than missed approaches, particularly in the initial 200 feet of flight.
• Unlike missed approaches, zero-zero departures lack the benefit of prior in-flight system evaluation and offer no "back door" or immediate alternate if issues arise post-takeoff.
• The author advises general aviation pilots to avoid zero-zero departures, suggesting it's safer to wait for weather to improve to approach minimums rather than taking unnecessary risks.

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