VFR Practise Approaches

If an approach says DME required but I dont have DME, can I still execute a VFR practise approach?

On GPS (RNAV) approaches, can I deviate from the published procedures with permission from the Tower or controlling agency if I am doing a VFR practise approach? I.E. Altitude deviation for a fix.

If so, what is the reference?

Thanks in advance.

ChristianFro wrote:

If an approach says DME required but I dont have DME, can I still
execute a VFR practise approach?

Are you asking can you do it legally, or are you just asking if it's possible? Legally, remember you're
VFR, so the IFR procedure rules don't really apply. If you are following the approach procedure (3D path
over the ground) and not causing a problem for ATC, they can't see what's on your panel.

OTOH, if you need DME distance to identify a step-down fix or missed approach point, it may be difficult
to fly the procedure correctly without it.

Also bear in mind you can use GPS in lieu of DME in most cases.

On GPS (RNAV) approaches, can I deviate from the published procedures
with permission from the Tower or controlling agency if I am doing a VFR
practise approach? I.E. Altitude deviation for a fix.

If you have permission from ATC, and aren't causing a safety problem (terrain or traffic separation), I
don't see an issue. Remember, you are VFR.

If so, what is the reference?

Not sure.


Mike

ChristianFro wrote:

If an approach says DME required but I dont have DME, can I still
execute a VFR practise approach?

As long as you are under VFR in VMC, you can do what you want, provided that
it does not conflict with ATC instructions (if you are in airspace where ATC
instructions take priority). You need not say anything to ATC about it, since
you are still legally VFR. Just take care that it does not conflict with other
traffic--in busy airspace you may have to obtain ATC's approval and
cooperation to allow this.

For example, if you are told to make straight in to the airport and you wish
to capture and follow the ILS for your approach, nothing prevents you from
doing so, and it's legal as long as the primary means of navigation remains
VFR. If you are told to enter the pattern but you wish to practice with the
ILS, you'll have to request and coordinate that with ATC.

Note that ATC may not provide separation services to VFR aircraft practicing
instrument approaches, and approval for a practice instrument approach does
not include approval for the missed-approach procedure unless this is
explicitly requested from and approved by ATC. Your VFR responsibility to see
and avoid is not suspended by approval for a practice IFR approach.

On Sep 22, 6:22*pm, Mxsmanic wrote:

For example, if you are told to make straight in to the airport and you wish
to capture and follow the ILS for your approach, nothing prevents you from
doing so, and it's legal as long as the primary means of navigation remains
VFR.

NOT ALWAYS......

writes:

On Sep 22, 6:22*pm, Mxsmanic wrote:

For example, if you are told to make straight in to the airport and you wish
to capture and follow the ILS for your approach, nothing prevents you from
doing so, and it's legal as long as the primary means of navigation remains
VFR.

NOT ALWAYS......

Describe the exceptions, then.

On Sep 26, 4:58*pm, Mxsmanic wrote:
writes:
On Sep 22, 6:22*pm, Mxsmanic wrote:

For example, if you are told to make straight in to the airport and you wish
to capture and follow the ILS for your approach, nothing prevents you from
doing so, and it's legal as long as the primary means of navigation remains
VFR.

NOT ALWAYS......

Describe the exceptions, then.

NO

writes:

NO

So you've contributed nothing to the thread. QED.

On Sep 27, 3:39*pm, Mxsmanic wrote:

So you've contributed nothing to the thread. QED.

NO.

" wrote:

On Sep 26, 4:58*pm, Mxsmanic wrote:
writes:
On Sep 22, 6:22*pm, Mxsmanic wrote:

For example, if you are told to make straight in to the airport
and you wish
to capture and follow the ILS for your approach, nothing prevents
you from
doing so, and it's legal as long as the primary means of
navigation remains VFR.

NOT ALWAYS......

Describe the exceptions, then.

NO

I have to agree with MX. Why not provide some examples? About the only
exception I can think of is an ILS that's slightly offset from the
runway alignment, but I don't know of one that's more than a few degrees.
A similar situation is routine in airline practice - cleared for a visual approach but
tracking the ILS for reference.

Mike

Mike Adams writes:

About the only exception I can think of is an ILS that's
slightly offset from the runway alignment, but I don't
know of one that's more than a few degrees.

Even in that case, you can still practice the instrument approach under VFR in
VMC. I'm not sure why an offset ILS would be an exception, since there is
still a corresponding instrument procedure to practice.