You’re the only airplane inbound and ATC has cut you loose to join the approach as you see fit. However, the more you review the approach chart the more complex it becomes. The simplest options will be the toughest to execute given the winds and descent, but the easier options might not be legit. Watch this video from PilotWorkshops’ IFR Mastery scenario collection and challenge yourself—what would you do?
This is one of over a hundred IFR Mastery scenarios from PilotWorkshops. IFR Mastery is a continuing series of online, scenario-based workshops that allows you to develop critical thinking skills in how to deal with challenging IFR situations. You then choose your favorite option and listen and learn from a roundtable discussion that includes a panel of award-winning flight instructors who discuss and debate each scenario.
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i love this video lots of information
I choose Choice 2. Depart V27 at KULOA to JEQEF (20NM). This is 2NM shorter than KULOA to
FETUJ (22NM). So now only fly extra 5NM this route to FETUJ at 4500 MSL. This route takes extra 2 minutes providing setup for easy descent.
Clearly choice 3 is best. 10d course change is a non issue in terms of time. And this is a twin and over the water is a non issue… VFR or IFR, make not difference. And for descent, you can slow, put out gear and flaps and easily get a 5d descent if needed.
I sense Catherine has a bias against flying the PT (Option 4). What’s wrong with descending in the holding pattern? That’s why it was put in there. When you encourage pilots to do a PT only as a last resort, they don’t develop the confidence to do it…ever. “An unwanted waste of time” is what the narrator said. It’s a five-mile holding pattern. Plus, you’re not required to fly the entire five miles. You can turn inbound at any time, not just when you lose the 500 feet altitude in holding.