(Michael) wrote in
om:

In other words, CANPA. Just out of curiosity, do you
normally fly with a copilot? Perhaps one whose major
responsibility on the descent is spotting the landing area?

I normally fly with a copilot, but the PNF's major
responsibility is to monitor the descent and make sure we don't
go below MDA, and generally monitor things. Spotting the
landing area is a responsibility, but not the top of the list.
Not hitting hard things at speed is the major responsibility of
both of us. If we don't land, we can try again. If we crash,
that's the end of the flight. On an ILS to minimums, he's
looking for the approach lights from about 100' above DH until
he sees something or I call out "Decide!". I still don't get in
a hurry to break out - at MAP is safer than earlier, IMO,
because it doesn't invite the temptation to get low, looking
outside. The closest I've ever been to crashing is during the
VFR sequence after breaking out.

--
Regards,

Stan