Fear and Loathing at the Airport [was: re: Angry [more info]]

Gary Drescher wrote:

However, the fatality rate at night is indeed higher (and for night IMC, it's higher still). But I don't know whether that's due to a greater danger following an engine failure or electrical failure, or instead due to the danger of, for example, maneuvering accidents during circling approaches under a low ceiling. If the latter, the increased danger could be eliminated by avoiding such approaches at night.

An excellent suggestion. Years ago our airline raised the minimum altitude for circling approaches to 1000' HAA. A few years later it eliminated circling approaches altogether. A wise move which more operators should follow -- in particular those non-professionals who don't do them on a regular basis.

You may have gotten away with one or a few, but night circling approaches in unfavorable weather conditions are among the most difficult things to do safely. Without regular, frequent practice and familiarity with the equipment, facilities, and procedures you are far better off without them, in the long run.


Jack
.