I get a cloud break quite a lot at Leuchars, not really sure of what the legalities or responsibilities of either myself or radar approach are for doing such so i just treat it like asking for a basic service as if I was transitioning through their area , goes something like this:
1. When I can't find a hole to get back down from VFR on top I make for Leuchars Air Base which is nearby and pick up the ATIS at Dundee which is close by Leuchars with both fields being at sea level. as long as the basis are about 1200 or above I know based on the ILS being about a 300 feet per mile drop that I will get down to VFR prior to entering Leuchars zone and be able to get back my home field.
2. If the cloud tops are say 5000 i know again based on the standard ILS GS i will need to fly out over the North Sea about 16 miles to intercept the ILS 26.
3. I call up Leuchars and advise then that I would like a basic service and will be maneuvering from between 16 and 4 miles along the extended centerline of runway 8 between 5000 and 1000 and will remain clear of their zone.
4: Swing onto final,Tune in the ILS, set the timer for 8 minutes, set the decent for 500 FPM and 90 Knots sit back and wait.
5. Turn for home when I get VFR and cancel the basic service with Leuchars.
Edit to add: I guess this way there is no expected or implied responsibilities either way, all I'm getting and all I want from ATC is a basic service and the rest is up to me.
This guy in the attached recording has a different method, probably not recommended:
Last edited by piperboy84; 1st February 2016 at 17:56.