Navigate in Low Visibility at High Altitude
There seems to be no pilot in the world who has never been in an area with really low visibility - and if you find yourself in such a situation it may be helpful to know the following steps.
Steps
- Check all of your instruments for failures. These can really be deadly at high altitude. If all of them seem to work, proceed with the second step. If one system or multiple systems seem to be out of order, keep calm and contact the ATC - if there is any severe failure, change your frequency to 121.5 and proceed.
- So if you have checked all systems, ask the ATC for the current atmospheric pressure and set your altimeter. This step is very important because if you have a small visual range you should not remain on VFR rules where you can see the ground.
- After you have set your altimeter, make the decision between landing or to remain in the air. If there is no GPS on board and you really don't know where you are, contact the ATC and ask for the nearest runway - also ask him for instructions so that he may tell you when you shall lose altitude or which heading you may need. If you have GPS on board , you are able to remain in the air.
- It is also a great idea to ask the ATC about the visibility near ground level. If you really want to keep flying, you can also sink if there is a fog-free altitude layer.
Tips
- The most important rule is so easy to know but so hard to do - keep calm and don't become nervous. If you become nervous, you're less effective!
- Staying in contact with ATC is one of the best tips - people on the ground may know where to go!
- It is also better not to fly alone - if there is someone who may help you you won't have to do everything at the same time.
Warnings
- Just don't sink without altimeter check! Even if it sounds funny - these 10 seconds you need to do this are dispensable and won't hurt you.
