ILS APP in VMC
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,631
Likes: 0
From: UK
I think this thread lacks much common sense.
Most ILS are class D protected. Where they are protected in this way I wouldn't have any issue flying an ILS single pilot whatever the conditions. I also think if you want to fly an ILS in VMC for any reason you like that is fine. Maybe you want to test some kit, maybe heads down and hone those hand flying skills a little, maybe for "fun", just go and do it.
Where the ILS is not class D protected I agree there are wider issues. It is naive to relate these issues to whether or not it is VMC. It reality it is rarely VMC or IMC. One of my closest near misses was when flying an IAP in an out of IMC with radar cover - it so happened the controller "missed" another aircraft that flew straight though the IAP quite oblivious to what he was doing. It so happened I came out of IMC and saw him - if I hadn't I would never have known he was there, and although it would have been very close I suspect we would have just missed. So the reality is you are likely to be in and out of IMC. Unless your flying the ILS to near or to minima you will be conscious of periods of VMC and don't we all have a glance out. Chances are some one flying through the ILS either in an out of IMC or just below the base, and if they have your number on them, you will never see them until it is too late. Sadly it is as unrealistic to expect you to see another aircraft in these conditions as it is in the cruise. It is one of those ideas that seems good and steeped in the general concept of see and avoid but in reality there is little if any evidence it works.
TAS / TCAS / PCAS is your best bet as well as educating other pilots to be aware of IAP outside class D.
Most ILS are class D protected. Where they are protected in this way I wouldn't have any issue flying an ILS single pilot whatever the conditions. I also think if you want to fly an ILS in VMC for any reason you like that is fine. Maybe you want to test some kit, maybe heads down and hone those hand flying skills a little, maybe for "fun", just go and do it.
Where the ILS is not class D protected I agree there are wider issues. It is naive to relate these issues to whether or not it is VMC. It reality it is rarely VMC or IMC. One of my closest near misses was when flying an IAP in an out of IMC with radar cover - it so happened the controller "missed" another aircraft that flew straight though the IAP quite oblivious to what he was doing. It so happened I came out of IMC and saw him - if I hadn't I would never have known he was there, and although it would have been very close I suspect we would have just missed. So the reality is you are likely to be in and out of IMC. Unless your flying the ILS to near or to minima you will be conscious of periods of VMC and don't we all have a glance out. Chances are some one flying through the ILS either in an out of IMC or just below the base, and if they have your number on them, you will never see them until it is too late. Sadly it is as unrealistic to expect you to see another aircraft in these conditions as it is in the cruise. It is one of those ideas that seems good and steeped in the general concept of see and avoid but in reality there is little if any evidence it works.
TAS / TCAS / PCAS is your best bet as well as educating other pilots to be aware of IAP outside class D.
