Non-IFR..When is final approach determined?

[FN FAL]

If you're on a straight in to a runway, at what distance or position are you actually on final approach? No FAF either. Just a VFR airport

I had this same argument with an Elmer Fudd on the ramp over at a small airport north of MSN. I called his bluff when I said go get the Feds. There is no reg on flying a straight in final.

 

[zugzug]

Did he call your bluff when the fed wouldn't comment?

 

[FN FAL]

Did he call your bluff when the fed wouldn't comment?

What fed? It was a non-towered field.

 

[zugzug]

I called his bluff when I said go get the Feds.

Facetious. If a Fed had showed... The Fed wouldn't have told you boo.

 

[DC8 Flyer]

By the way, does anyone know what zugzug means?

Warcraft!

 

[RightPedal]

If you're on a straight in to a runway, at what distance or position are you actually on final approach? No FAF either. Just a VFR airport.

I try to turn final at no more than a distance at which a power off touchdown can be made from TPA. I know this will very with different aircraft but I also know that an engine failure is most apt to occur when reducing power, or closing the throttle. I just have a thing about not reducing power until I know I can make a runway. This comes from knowing the equipment you fly. In most of what I fly, the point I see over the nose from 1000agl is where my wheels will touch the ground if I close the throttle.
So, my answer to your question is answer it yourself next time you're in the pattern.
Have fun but learn something when doing it.

 

[zugzug]

Dc8

Nope!

 

[DC8 Flyer]

Nope!

Well I know it's not starcraft, World of Warcraft maybe?

 

[Sniper Bob]

How about:

1. Aligned with runway centerline
2. At a controlled descent (on established glidepath: VASI, ILS, calculated 3-degree--take your pick)
3. In landing configuration
4. At an altitude less than or equal to pattern altitude

 

[zugzug]

How about:

1. Aligned with runway centerline
2. At a controlled descent (on established glidepath: VASI, ILS, calculated 3-degree--take your pick)
3. In landing configuration
4. At an altitude less than or equal to pattern altitude

All of these can be established many many miles from the A/P. So, if your on a 10 mile final... You are right of way to all others?