mindenpilot ) wrote:

I'm wondering how that works at a class E airport, like the one I'm based at
in Minden, NV.
For example, if there was real IMC (a fog layer at 300 AGL), would you be
allowed to take off?
If so, what would be the procedure?

The communication note for Minden reads (area code left out in the event
of some Usenet telephone number spam harvester, if there is such a
thing):

FOR CD/P CALL RENO APCH CTL ON (xxx) 348-8840

Thus, you would call this number while on the ground after your
preflight to receive your clearance. Assuming there was not an IFR
aircraft approaching to land, Reno approach would issue you a clearance
on the ground with a void time. This means you have until that time to
take off and climb to an altitude where they will pick you up on radar.

During this block of time, the airport is yours. No other aircraft can
take off IFR until you do.

How would you ensure separation from other traffic?

If the field were IFR, the system restricts other IFR aircraft from
taking off until you do. Again, if an aircraft were on an IFR
approach, it would have to land and call to cancel the IFR flight plan
before Reno would issue you the clearance to depart.


The closest tower is Reno, but they wouldn't be able to get any radar fix
until you climbed to about 3500' AGL.

Take off, follow the departure/obstacle clearance procedure, then fly
your clearance. As soon as able, make contact with Reno. Even if they
cannot pick you up you might be able to establish radio contact with
them to let them know you are off and climbing.

Similarly, for landing (assuming a GPS approach is approved, there is no
ILS, etc).
What would you do once Reno lost radar contact?

Reno would vector you to the IAF, then clear you for the approach. At
that point, you are on your own to fly the published approach to the
best of your ability.

Once on the ground, you must immediately call Reno on a land line to
cancel your IFR flight plan so that a) they know you landed safely and
b) they can release the airport for other IFR operations.


--
Peter






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