Legalities of flying VFR during solar eclipse
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Legalities of flying VFR during solar eclipse
Had a thought this morning regarding the eclipse. Is there anything in the regs about flying during the eclipse when not night VFR or instrument rated?
For example, let's say I do not have a night VFR or instrument rating. I depart after first light and am in the air during the totality period of a solar eclipse. Am I no longer flying under the VFR and so should plan to land 10 minutes before totality, or is the fact that it is after the end of civil twilight mean it still counts as day?
For simplicity, ignore any weather requirements.
My guess is since visibility would reduce below VMC, you would need to fly under the IFR for the period of eclipse, and knowing when the eclipse is would be your own responsibility the same as knowing airspace requirements?
Anyone else care to weigh in? Obviously it's not a common occurence, but somewhat interesting regardless.
For example, let's say I do not have a night VFR or instrument rating. I depart after first light and am in the air during the totality period of a solar eclipse. Am I no longer flying under the VFR and so should plan to land 10 minutes before totality, or is the fact that it is after the end of civil twilight mean it still counts as day?
For simplicity, ignore any weather requirements.
My guess is since visibility would reduce below VMC, you would need to fly under the IFR for the period of eclipse, and knowing when the eclipse is would be your own responsibility the same as knowing airspace requirements?
Anyone else care to weigh in? Obviously it's not a common occurence, but somewhat interesting regardless.
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My guess is since visibility would reduce below VMC, you would need to fly under the IFR for the period of eclipse
Ask CASA, (we're here to help). I would like to see their response.
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Originally Posted by Steve888
Is there anything in the regs about flying during the eclipse when not night VFR or instrument rated?
Originally Posted by Steve888
I depart after first light and am in the air during the totality period of a solar eclipse. Am I no longer flying under the VFR and so should plan to land 10 minutes before totality, or is the fact that it is after the end of civil twilight mean it still counts as day?
Originally Posted by Steve888
visibility would reduce below VMC
Last edited by swh; 13th Nov 2012 at 23:14.
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My guess is since visibility would reduce below VMC
If you go night VFR you have still to maintain VMC, hence the required visibility for VISUAL flight rules is even achievable at night, can't see what's the problem with visibility in case of an eclipse (by day) then?
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Regardless of 'Regs' or your rating, if unprepared for total darkness and you're down amongst the weeds - not much fun!
I was 10,000' over Mount Gambier for the (1976 I think) eclipse and apart from the rim of light around the horizon - as dark as a moonless night.
Amazing watching that circle of darkness sweep across the land towards you, and then away after the few minutes.
One of aviation's best experiences.
I was 10,000' over Mount Gambier for the (1976 I think) eclipse and apart from the rim of light around the horizon - as dark as a moonless night.
Amazing watching that circle of darkness sweep across the land towards you, and then away after the few minutes.
One of aviation's best experiences.
This is what is wrong with aviation in this country.
People have nothing better to do than try and find a rule regarding flying during an eclipse (for when it happens every couple of decades).
If you're worried about it, take some responsibility for yourself and watch it from the ground.
If CASA get on the case they might have something ready for 2023 when the next one is scheduled. It'll be just what fort fumble would want though. Imagine all the field trips overseas and study tours they'd get out of it.
People have nothing better to do than try and find a rule regarding flying during an eclipse (for when it happens every couple of decades).
If you're worried about it, take some responsibility for yourself and watch it from the ground.
If CASA get on the case they might have something ready for 2023 when the next one is scheduled. It'll be just what fort fumble would want though. Imagine all the field trips overseas and study tours they'd get out of it.
See AIC
http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/...up/a12-h31.pdf
Sitting on Clifton Beach during total portion of the eclipse, it was dark, no horizon, and to my mind, not VMC.
http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/...up/a12-h31.pdf
During these two minutes, the light level will probably be equivalent to a late twilight and the horizon may be lost from sight. As the light level will drop rapidly, it will take time for eyes to adapt to the change.
Operationally, pilots and operators are still obliged to fulfill their obligations in relation to flight within the Visual Meteorological Conditions Rule set.
Operationally, pilots and operators are still obliged to fulfill their obligations in relation to flight within the Visual Meteorological Conditions Rule set.
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Was flying during the 1976 one in Vic. Below us it was dark but could make out the ground/water features around Jamison. Clear to north and south (areas with only partial eclipse).
As mentioned much like being in shade.
As mentioned much like being in shade.
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I think you hit the nail on the head there GG. Wasn't much different to a very overcast day here, maybe not a good time to be weaving through a deep valley, but a pretty good time for some common sense.
Besides the pedantic nature of whether its really a cause for regulation, many replies to this thread has highlighted the continuing ignorance by many of the actual meaning of VMC, IMC, visibility, IFR and VFR. A trip to the definitions at the front of the regs might be in order. 
And to follow on from swh's definition, civil twilight is defined as the sun's disc being no more than six degrees below the horizon.
They look good from the air, but are even better from 39,000 feet at M.80. Especially when you get 9mins23sec of totality.
And to follow on from swh's definition, civil twilight is defined as the sun's disc being no more than six degrees below the horizon.
They look good from the air, but are even better from 39,000 feet at M.80. Especially when you get 9mins23sec of totality.
Last edited by compressor stall; 14th Nov 2012 at 01:20.
Bottums Up
Watching from landside, outside the Cairns domestic terminal, looking just south of False Cape one could see the mountain range and all the surrounds clearly. It definitely was dimmer but being my first eclipse experience, was no where near as dark as I was expecting, given all the media hoopla leading up to it.
Certainly from my vantage point, I wouldn't have assessed the light as being less than one would experience in dusk, just before evening civil twilight, or after morning civil twilight. Heavier cloud cover elsewhere may have made a significant difference.
Certainly from my vantage point, I wouldn't have assessed the light as being less than one would experience in dusk, just before evening civil twilight, or after morning civil twilight. Heavier cloud cover elsewhere may have made a significant difference.
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Not many posters here apart from Stallie have done this obviously, so when I get time in the next day or so I will post some pics and video. Mine not so high up! The folk on the ground experienced more darkness, and cold. We compared photos and experiences with an amateur astronomer back at the motel over breakfast. Quite a difference.
I was surprised at how VMC like it was and I was right in the middle of it. It was like landing 10 minutes before last light, dark but you could see.
Another surprise was the lack of aircraft in the FNQ interior, maybe they all stayed near the coast.
I was surprised at how VMC like it was and I was right in the middle of it. It was like landing 10 minutes before last light, dark but you could see.
Another surprise was the lack of aircraft in the FNQ interior, maybe they all stayed near the coast.
I hope none of the aviation folk are the 5 in a 100 who have permanently damaged their eyes by looking directly at the eclipse.
I also can't believe this thread is still going!
I also can't believe this thread is still going!