Page 24 - Contact Newsletter Oct 2023

LOW LEVEL FLYING

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO? 6’ UNDER?

By Chris Kyle, plagiarised from Pilots Post (Thanks
Willie!) and climb performance with the energy at
Amongst many that one can think up there are hand? That's something to think about and which
three confirmed useless B's that stand out in may change your whole perspective of the term
aviation. The first one is RUNWAY BEHIND YOU! 'Low Level’! .
The second one is MONEY IN THE BANK WITH NO Every day as pilots we're exposed to Low Level
FUEL IN THE TANK! The third one is BLUE SKY Flight and the associated threats and risks! For
ABOVE WITH NONE BELOW YOU! (not necessarily example, immediately after Take Off, as we climb

in that order of priority). . to safety and then again on the Approach to
The third B is the one for discussion here! Land as we descend from safety into the Low Level
Now there are many definitions for Low Level Environment! .
Flight but I think that this one makes sense. Circle to Land Procedures from an Instrument
Approach are notorious in the number of aircraft
Low level flight can be defined as: 'Operation of claimed - why? - Because the aircraft
aircraft in such proximity to terrain and obstacles has descended into the Low Level
as to compromise the safety of the aircraft, its Environment where it must be maneuvered VERY
occupants and that of persons or property on the CAREFULLY to ensure terrain and obstacle
ground or surface of the water’ . clearance often done in somewhat reduced
visibility. .
From this definition, the point is that although an The most crucial stage in an Instrument Approach
aircraft might be flown with more than adequate is the decision to execute a Missed Approach -
terrain clearance and at a safe altitude while in its why? - Because it offers a way back to safety from
present position but what about its performance the Low Level Environment to a safe height above
ability to clear obstacles and terrain in the terrain and obstacles. .

immediate vicinity in terms of turn radius and

Contact! October 2023 Page 23