Actual Time in Sacramento

Mark Hansen wrote:

One thing I noticed around here, is that when you're practicing
approaches, NorCal will say "Approved for the approach" rather than
"Cleared for the approach". They don't do this every time, but I was
told this was their way of making it clear that they know you're not
on an IFR flight plan.

Here in the PHX tracon, they are specific about this phraseology distinction. It's always, "practice
approach approved, maintain VFR", as distinct from "cleared for the approach" .

Interesting thread. We get so little actual IMC that this opportunity doesn't present itself very often. And
when it does, the tracon is too busy with real traffic to deal with all us GA pilots looking for a little actual.
Maybe time for a trip to California.

Mike

The other strange thing ATC does when you are doing "practice" (i.e.
VFR) approachs is say "maintain VFR". I laugh everytime. You are always
VFR unless ATC gives you a clearance otherwise. VFR is flight rules,
not flight conditions. They probably should say "Maintain VFR
conditions" (i.e. "I'm not letting you go in the clouds").

-Robert

Robert M. Gary wrote:
The other strange thing ATC does when you are doing "practice" (i.e.
VFR) approachs is say "maintain VFR". I laugh everytime. You are always
VFR unless ATC gives you a clearance otherwise. VFR is flight rules,
not flight conditions. They probably should say "Maintain VFR
conditions" (i.e. "I'm not letting you go in the clouds").

You could be right. I prefer to think they say that to provide a redundant
reminder that you're not on a clearance, just to avoid a possible misunderstanding.

"maintain VFR" seems to be used redundantly that way in other contexts, too. For
example:

VFR pilot: "N12345 is leaving 3000 for 2000.
ATC: "Maintain VFR"

I interpret that as ATC's way of saying "you're not on a clearance, so you don't
need my permission to descend, and just in case you thought you were on a
clearance, you're not."

three-eight-hotel wrote On 12/16/05 06:51,:
So... having no actual time, under my belt, how would you typically go
out and practice your approaches? Would you file an IFR flight plan to
SAC or MHR and request multiple approaches in the air, or would you
popup out of O61 and contact NORCAL requesting "practice?" approaches
into MHR/SAC?

My 2 cents.

Although I flew actual with the instructor, I was wary of flying actual
on my own. So pretty much by default, I waited until I needed to do a
departure with a now closed in airport. It was fine, but I think now
unecessary. The valley is ideal for actual training. File from the bay area
in the clear, IFR all the way. Then, you will be on system, get a nice
letdown into the clouds over the valley, and some nice approaches, then
back into the clear and home. Hell, if you get nervous or tired,
you could even just ask to up and out of it for a while.

I've done most of my actual in the valley, usually into Stockton south
of there. I also discovered a nice trick from my instructor, to request
"delaying vector". If you find you are tired, falling behind or need
to get reorganized, you ask for that, and relax and get prepared again.
After an hour of actual approaches, you can get pretty tired.

I also discovered a nice trick from my instructor, to request
"delaying vector". If you find you are tired, falling behind or need
to get reorganized, you ask for that, and relax and get prepared again.
After an hour of actual approaches, you can get pretty tired.

I haven't heard of doing that, but it sounds like a great thing to
remember! I recall being vectored waayyyyy out on occaision, for some
unknown reason. It was always a great chance to relax, reorganize and
prepare for the next approach. Thanks for the tip!