On 3 Jan 2005 23:18:15 -0800, "hsm" wrote:

Can I descent below minimums on an intermediate stepdown segment of an
IFR approach if I have the runway enviroment in sight?
On a very steep approach such as the backcourse loc-A to Santa
Maria,CA, I would like to start descending below 1700 feet prior to
reaching PATER, in order to facilitate a more comfortable decent in
VMC. Legal or do I first need a visual approach clearance?

I believe you can so long as you meet all the requirements of 14 CFR
91.175.

An approach like the one you cite is purposely published without
straight-in minimums because the descent angle exceeds some FAA number for
an allowable straight-in approach. In my Mooney, I don't think a 500-600
ft/min descent is unreasonable, but YMMV. I prefer a steep approach in
order to allow for reaching the airport in the event of engine failure.

If it were a strange airport, I'd certainly want better than MVFR to
descend below 1700' at PATER.


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)