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:

• Zero-zero departures are considered significantly riskier than missed approaches, especially in the initial 200 feet, due to the lack of prior airborne evaluation of aircraft systems and performance.
• Unlike missed approaches, zero-zero departures offer no immediate "back door" or return-to-field option, making any system malfunction or engine issue immediately critical with no escape route.
• The author advocates against routine zero-zero departures for general aviation, emphasizing that pilots should ideally only take off from fields where a safe return is possible if needed.

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