Visual Approach into uncontrolled aerodrome - question

[cargo_guy]

As long as safety is assured, why not? TC has issued a memo stating they no longer need all the reports of a/c joining unpublished circut patterns. Any easy-going specialist doesn't care as long as it all works out safely.

I posted this same question (slightly edited so as not to piss off any FSS specialists) on a Canadian ATC forum. The same memo mentioned above was referenced. The FSS specialist who replied seemed pretty easy going, and said something to the effect that unless I created a conflict with traffic established in the circuit pattern there would be no problem in his eyes. For those who are interested here is the link to that thread: http://www.local5454.com/community/boar ... hp?tid=525

To be quite honest, we operate into a couple of FSS airports on a daily basis and it is not at all uncommon for us to join from the upwind base when cleared for the visual. Once again... provided that there is no conflict with circuit traffic. The FSS specialists are aware of what we are doing and nobody has gotten any grief over it.

Most of the time when we arrive at these airports we're the only ones in the zone anyways. I used to do this without giving it a second thought, until the discussion came up with another crew member. I just assumed before that if cleared the visual (at an uncontrolled aerodrome) I could just maneuver onto final as need be. I then realized that this was a bit of a grey area and thought it would be a great topic for discussion here. It certainly has given me something to think about.

Cargo_guy

[TopperHarley]

If you're planning the right base onto a rwy with lefthand circuits...just be sure to join a 5mile final and they can't say anything.

Do you know where I can find a reference for this? ie) what's so special about the "5 mile" final? Why not 3 miles, 4, etc? I'm just wondering if there is a reference in the CARS or AIP which has info about the 5 mile final, and how it allows you to break away from standard circuit procedures.

Thanks in advance.

[ahramin]

Chris, the five mile final thing comes from the zone only being five miles big. If you enter the zone positioned for the straight in, there is no possible way of being violated for doing a right base, as you can always say that the right turn was made while enroute.

However this memo that i keep hearing about seems to be going one better and saying that it is not a right base until you are in the circuit, which makes way too much sense to me. In this case it does not matter how close you are to the airport, as long as you are not in the circuit.

Of course "the circuit" is a variable thing. I would recommend not cutting anyone off .

[EPR1.6]

Regarding RH base at an MF, have a look at CAR 602.96 3)c)

602.96 (1) This section applies to persons operating VFR or IFR aircraft at or in the vicinity of an uncontrolled or controlled aerodrome.

(2) Before taking off from, landing at or otherwise operating an aircraft at an aerodrome, the pilot-in-command of the aircraft shall be satisfied that

(a) there is no likelihood of collision with another aircraft or a vehicle; and

(b) the aerodrome is suitable for the intended operation.

(3) The pilot-in-command of an aircraft operating at or in the vicinity of an aerodrome shall

(a) observe aerodrome traffic for the purpose of avoiding a collision;

(b) conform to or avoid the pattern of traffic formed by other aircraft in operation;

(c) make all turns to the left when operating within the aerodrome traffic circuit, except where right turns are specified by the Minister in the Canada Flight Supplement or where otherwise authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit

So if Radio or FSS is considered the appropriate air traffic control unit for the MF, then a RH base would be possible. So the next question would be, 'Is FSS considered an authorized air traffic control unit at an MF.'

[ahramin]

No. FSS is an Air Traffic Service. Not a control unit. They cannot authorize anything for an airplane.