Originally Posted by
Mozella
Yes, of course I know all about declaring emergencies. When I was flying in the Navy I was taught to declare an emergency when necessary and I did so a number of times with great success. Suddenly you stop asking and start telling. However, I personally know a number of civilian trained pilots who think that the last thing in the world they might do is declare an emergency and one or two of them are no longer with us because of it. In at least one instance, I lost a good friend for the very reason that he failed to use his instrument rating and the IFR instruments in his aircraft when push came to shove when he ran out of airspace suitable for his VFR flight plan. The accident being discussed in this thread has a lot of similarities; i.e. deteriorating weather conditions with a sad ending.
THIS!! Declare an emergency. Tell ATC what you are going to do. Blow out of there. Live to handle the paperwork tomorrow.
(Then explain to your charter passengers the “Emergency” was a procedure to stay safe.)
Hopefully, you’re running ADS-B IN/OUT and clear your own traffic.