wonders of VFR on top

Steven P. McNicoll wrote:
"John Clonts" wrote in message
...

What are you supposed to do if you don't break out of the clouds, and you
lose comm?


Whatever you think is best.

http://www.faa.gov/atpubs/AIM/Chap6/aim0604.html



That brings up the age old question about following procedure vs. using
judgment. For example, if I've just departed ELM for say BOS and lose
comm on climbout, procedure would have me fly to BOS, assuming I don't
encounter VMC along the way. However, if I know that I have minimums or
better at ELM, I'd be inclined to shoot an approach there and get back
on the ground at my home drome and not be in the system for 1.5 hours
and flying into a fairly busy airport NORDO. I'd also think you ATC
folks would rather I do that as well, but I suspect that if anything at
all went wrong while doing this, the FAA would be likely to bust me for
not following the prescribed procedure.

I'm assuming that a successful outcome could be justified using the
"good judgment" clause referenced above, however, it does suggest that
good judgment only comes into play for cases NOT covered by the procedures.


Matt