Zooming to Zero-Zero

jwanwest

Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 12:45 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article outlines a multi-stage flight simulator exercise designed to develop extreme instrument flying and hand-flying skills under zero-zero visibility, low-fuel, and no-ATC emergency conditions.
Pilots are challenged to progressively complete a departure and landing with minimal navigation aids, then with an iPad and synthetic vision, and finally relying solely on an iPad with the main monitor off.
A "Post Mortem" section provides critical insights into optimal techniques, real-world emergency procedures (e.g., zero-zero takeoffs, landing strategies), and the practical advantages and limitations of various navigation tools like RNAV, ILS, and synthetic vision in such scenarios.

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The weather tanked. Fuel is low. Your right arm even aches in homage to Jimmy Stewart’s plight from Strategic Air Command. The 1955 Hollywood controller stares into the scope and reports the field is 100-¼. He offers a hold at the marker, but you say, “I can’t hold. I’m committed. I don’t have enough fuel to go around! Bring me on in.”

Ah, but where Stewart had Leo in the back seat and PAR guidance from the ground, you have only your wits and an iPad. Hey, it’s a self-service world. Deal with it.