The weather, via ATIS and NEXRAD was above minimums. So, putting the gear
down earlier to help the descent probably would have been an option. I would
say on recollection that the layer was around 4,000 feet thick, and week
broke out during the approach.

However, I was concerned that lowering the gear and having all of the drag
plus possibly getting it covered in ice and maybe not be able to retract
would significantly rob climb performance if needed. I didn't want to add a
gear problem or get stuck with a lack of power just in case.

You do have a good point that I should have considered.


"vincent norris" wrote in message
...
Even though it's the capitol (is it capital?) of the state,

The building is a capitol, the town is the capital.

Finally, before the last fix we broke out into VMC, with the valley
below
and the airport in sight, still several thousand feet high. We circled
once, and then landed without difficulty.

If you had obtained WX and knew you would break out into VMC, then I'd say
you handled it prudently; otoh, if you knew the ceiling was well above
minimums, why were you concerned about having to do a missed approach with
the gear down?

vince norris