Oakland FIR/Oceanic Flying and approaches...
04-26-2010, 04:16 PM
#1
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Oakland FIR/Oceanic Flying and approaches...
Wondering if anyone has input on flying into an airport located under the Oakland FIR area of control. My understanding is with a cruise clearance we can descend into the airport and accomplish a visual approach or establish ourselves on a published segment of an instrument approach and land from either of those positions.
09-20-2011, 09:39 PM
#2
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@aviatorhi, did you ever get any more guidance on this? It's a question that's come up in my operation, too.
The AIM Pilot/Controller Glossary definition of "cruise clearance" says "it is approval...to make an approach...", either "a." an instrument approach (if available), or "b." land VFR if the location has no instrument approach procedure. Both part "a" of the definition and Part 91.175 state "if" or "when it is necessary to use an instrument approach". So this implies to me that a VFR arrival is authorized if the instrument approach is not necessary, but...
One reason the question comes up is because elsewhere in the AIM (5-4-7 d.) it says that the phrase "cleared approach" does not constitute approval to execute a visual or contact approach. So some say this restriction applies to cruise clearance (which includes clearance for an approach).
Another question that comes up is uncontrolled airspace, in the areas you're referring to we're in Class G by the time we reach minimum IFR altitudes. Obviously, as a 121 operator you comply with instrument procedures if you're in IMC conditions. But, in locations where an IAP is available, it's never been clear to me if you're still required to adhere to instrument procedures when you're VMC in the Class G airspace.
The AIM Pilot/Controller Glossary definition of "cruise clearance" says "it is approval...to make an approach...", either "a." an instrument approach (if available), or "b." land VFR if the location has no instrument approach procedure. Both part "a" of the definition and Part 91.175 state "if" or "when it is necessary to use an instrument approach". So this implies to me that a VFR arrival is authorized if the instrument approach is not necessary, but...
One reason the question comes up is because elsewhere in the AIM (5-4-7 d.) it says that the phrase "cleared approach" does not constitute approval to execute a visual or contact approach. So some say this restriction applies to cruise clearance (which includes clearance for an approach).
Another question that comes up is uncontrolled airspace, in the areas you're referring to we're in Class G by the time we reach minimum IFR altitudes. Obviously, as a 121 operator you comply with instrument procedures if you're in IMC conditions. But, in locations where an IAP is available, it's never been clear to me if you're still required to adhere to instrument procedures when you're VMC in the Class G airspace.
09-21-2011, 05:52 AM
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Position: Baja Vermont
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It seems most do the IAP, in my limited experience. Remember the airport might be Class G, but Oakland OAC, if there is a traffic conflict, issue holding, then issue the guy at the bottom of the stack a cruise clearance which is the permission to leave controlled airspace and fly the approach. I can't see any reason why one couldn't fly a visual, weather is usually VFR.
Palau, Yap, Pohnpei, last the "real"flying
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Palau, Yap, Pohnpei, last the "real"flying
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