Simulator Videos: Executing A Missed Approach

In this video series, we're going to show how to properly execute a missed approach along with some of the common errors that we see in pilots who have not done this kind of thing in the last few months.  These are the last of the videos we shot last August (and thus the last with the poor sound and video quality - they were experiments) but if there is an interest, we will continue making videos with improvements.  Let us know!

In the first video, I'll discuss the simple mnemonic we use for executing a missed approach - 5 C's, push, push.  Here's what they are, watch the video to hear them being explained:

C- Click

C- Cram

C- Climb

C- Clean

C- Communicate

Push (Susp)  Push (siwtch CDI from VLOC to GPS if applicable)

*Note!* For some reason, embedding these videos seems to remove the option to make the video full screen.  If you click on the video once it's playing, you'll go to the YouTube site where the vid is hosted.  You should have the ability to make everything appear in full screen from there.

If you're having trouble seeing the embedded video, you can go directly to our YouTube site.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWVqBhkHUsk&feature=related

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2eCOOWzHU4&feature=related

In this second video, I'll talk about a couple of the more common pitfalls I see people making when attempting to go missed approach.  These mistakes happen both in new and experienced pilots, so keep an eye out for them in your own flying.

I have noticed over the past 10 years of teaching that missed approaches are one of the more common weak areas in many pilots.  This is because most don't go missed and thus don't practice it unless they're forced to do so.  The best remedy, of course, is to get out there and do it.  Practice going missed in a couple of ways: 1) The usual - full autopilot, use all the functionality 2) Hand flown - use the Garmins to their full effect but hand fly the whole approach, then hand fly the whole missed 3) Go missed early on an approach, see if you know what to do.

If you *do* accidentally push the OBS button too early when executing the missed approach, you can just push it again to get rid of the OBS annunciation and wait for SUSP to appear after passing the missed approach waypoint.  If you don't do it in a timely enough fashion and you've already passed the missed approach waypoint while still in OBS mode, then you've got some more work to do.  First: CLIMB!  Get away from the ground and stop messing with your Garmin.  There's time for that later.

Next, get the autopilot on in a straight ahead climb.  Once the flying part is taken care of, you can work on the problem.  The GPS will still be showing you the final approach course and will not show SUSP.  So now you'll need to go into the flight plan and activate the leg after the missed approach waypoint.  Do you know how to do that?  If not, reference my earlier blog entry on activating legs: http://www.cirruspilots.org/blogs/tips_from_csips/archive/2009/07/29/garmin-tips-activating-a-leg.aspx 

Some of the best instrument pilots I have ever flown with aren't commercially rated.  They simply make it a point to take 4 hours every month and practice their procedures.  You can do it too!

If you have seen our other videos, you'll remember that we're now offering a program that will allow pilots unlimited access to an instructor and our simulator for a really low price.  You can find out more about the program by clicking here.

The short form is that for the price of $3,295 you get all the simulator training and instruction that you want for the year.  This is equal to about two and a half days of training so if you could find an excuse to do even that much, you'd be ahead.  Spouses are allowed to attend training and take part in a pinch-hitter style course at no cost.  We're also working with Starr Aviation Underwriters to offer a 10% discount off your insurance premiums.

Give us a call at (866) 557-1501 or an email at info@theflightacademy.com if you'd like to talk about this program.  Don't forget to view our options for people from out of town and some examples of the training you can receive found under the tab along the top titled Unlimited Simulator. 

Safe flying!

John Fiscus

Chief Pilot, The Flight Academy

www.theflightacademy.com