Originally Posted by
Bobermo
Last week I was flying a VOR approach with a 3.4 degree descent angle. The papi was set to a 3 degree angle. From when is it allowed to pick up the papi (by doing so going below the VOR approach)?
I would be careful when self maneuvering when
not within the circling area as the PAPI are
not protecting you then.
Visual is visual, so self positioning is allowed but you are solely responsible for terrain clearance and in some cases this is not ensured when descending below the approach angle which is raised for A/B/C/../Z reason.
Excellent positional awareness and location knowledge may be required to understand the true reason why the angle had been raised in the first place (village on short final, mast on the extended approach track, ...)
And remember to think thrice before declaring visual at night for the same reasons when outside of circling area as visual contact with ground cannot be maintained.