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Commercial aircraft have to get IFR reservations? Back in '03, a buddy of mine and I took a Seminole there IFR and didn't do anything beyond simply file the flightplan. Weird...
Wierd indeed. Did your buddy make this flight during the winter months in a Seminole into Aspen, when the STMP program is in effect? If so, not smart, and doubtful, too.
The reservation slot system applies to everyone arriving under IFR. You really don't want to depend on being able to go in VFR during the winter months, even though weather can at times be excellent and clear VMC. Due to the traffic and the high useage of the field, VFR isn't a good idea in the winter months, and the traffic mangement is based on everyone participating.
You can read more about it at:
http://www.fly.faa.gov/estmp/index.html
Traditionally, the large fractional operators tend to hog up all the reservations as quickly as they can each day to ensure they can meet their passenger demands. Accordingly, get your slot as soon as able, else you may not make it there at all.
I popped over the hill from Eagle and dropped in there VFR this summer. Yes, you can fly VFR, and no, the STMP program doesn't apply to VFR. However, the slot program is there for a reason. There's typically a very steady stream of traffic in and out, and it's not the best place to choose for VFR flight operations.
Add to that the fact that weather there can change suddenly, and once it does the ability to remain VFR becomes very skethy...plus the constant traffic density there, and you're best served going elsewhere if you're going VFR. Particularly if you're doing it to buck the system and get in without a slot. Very poor form, very inconsiderate, good way to cause problems for others, and potentially a definite safety issue, too. Pick a field which isn't STMP...if you're headed to that neck of the woods, you're much better served to try GJT instead, and drive up. It's not that far, and it's a nice drive. Most of the time.
. Very poor form, very inconsiderate, good way to cause problems for others, and potentially a definite safety issue, too. Pick a field which isn't STMP...if you're headed to that neck of the woods, you're much better served to try GJT instead, and drive up. It's not that far, and it's a nice drive. Most of the time.
Most certainly we should restrict operations which do not have a slot from using STMP airports when STMP proceedures are in effect...that's exactly what I'm suggesting...because that's the purpose of having STMP proceedures in the first place.
Airports that busy don't need hokel yokel busting into the place to disrupt a program in place. If somene wants in, get with the program, period...or go somewhere else and drive.
This is where we are right now. You don't have to obtain a slot. You can go VFR. The tower does not need to allow you to land, or to admit you to the airport. Considering the frequency of daily operations when STMP is in effect, those wishing to bully their way through the VFR "loophole" really ought to think again, make other plans, and have alternates available...because there's a high probability of needing them.
We all know it is not ethical, but rolling thru stopsigns, not using a turn signal, speeding, decending ONE FOOT below minimums, figuring out runway performance for a dry runway when it is damp or wet, those things are illegal and or unethical but do you ever do them as well? Just curious.