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, contrary to a previously published article.
• The increased risk is attributed to the lack of sufficient pre-flight system evaluation, uncertainty of aircraft performance, and the absence of a "back door" option to return to the field.
• For most general aviation flights, the author advises against zero-zero departures, recommending pilots wait for conditions that allow a safe return to the field or better visibility.

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