Visibility for Minima-measurement n evaluation

[Water Wings]

Originally Posted by titaniumwings

Just to clarify. The decision that I am talking about is not whether to land, rather it is whether to launch the flight on time or to carry extra fuel to wait over the tempo period of which by judgement the commander reckon the possibility of landing is possibly low.

With the greatest of respect, if this thread is representative of how you plan to operate an aircraft, I wouldn't be needing to think about what you mention above because you'll have a such a reputation across the airline that accordingly I've gone sick and the problem now belongs to the poor standby pilot called out to replace me.

[AerocatS2A]

Originally Posted by titaniumwings

Just to clarify. The decision that I am talking about is not whether to land, rather it is whether to launch the flight on time or to carry extra fuel to wait over the tempo period of which by judgement the commander reckon the possibility of landing is possibly low.

So to add to the question:
Suppose TAF 3000m you don't carry fuel. Would you carry fuel for TAF rain 2000 or 1000m?

In Australia those "decisions" are covered by the regulations and company ops manuals. If the weather is worse than the alternate minima for the destination then you need extra fuel, either an alternate or holding depending on the forecast. The alternate minima include a significant buffer over the approach minima.

Judgement comes in to whether you want additional fuel over the legal minimum in order to give you a couple of chances before diverting. I don't have any formula to base this decision on, just a gut feel as to whether the weather seems marginal or not. If it's only just below the alternate minima and forecast to either stay the same or improve then I might carry legal minimum, if it's forecast to deteriorate or fluctuate between the alternate minima and approach minima I might take extra approach fuel. Sometimes, even though extra fuel is not required, I might take as much fuel as I can without affecting the payload so that I have as many options available till as late as possible.

[titaniumwings]

For any discussion to be meaningful, especially technical ones, logical points and reasoning would be necessary. Blanket statements may not be. There are many ways to operate. Other than those mandated in one's manual, many are up to preferences. I appreciate those who give their constructive views as I view this a great avenue to learn from other operators and aviators. Reputation and ego is something that I care less about though.

I have read about the Australian fuel policy. I understand that there are times where judgement comes into place but as AerocatS2A pointed out there are some basis or circumstances that we based our judgement on This would be relevant and useful when we impart our experiences and knowledge to the younger ones. It seems obvious that the younger generations have a different approach to learning that even I have to adapt to in order to maximize the greater good for my company.

And you are right, AerocatS2A, I am talking about the over and above fuel carriage in excess to that mandated in the manuals and regulations. Trend following is one of the most useful technique in weather evaluation. Thanks for your input n views.