Captain4242
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2004
- Posts
- 127
Heard this on the radio a few weeks ago:
A pilot at upper altitudes declares a medical emergency, and requests to land a nearest suitable field. ATC explains that such-and-such airport is closest, and to expect vectors. After the first vector, ATC says to expect lower altitude once clearing traffic. Pilot says "traffic in sight", and asks to continue decending for the field, even going through the other guy's altitude.
Question: Can ATC allow this descent? The pilot has declared an emergency...as far as ATC goes, are IFR separations still required for the aircraft in distress while having traffic in sight above 180?
I would think that part 91.3 has some limitations....
Thank you in advance.
A pilot at upper altitudes declares a medical emergency, and requests to land a nearest suitable field. ATC explains that such-and-such airport is closest, and to expect vectors. After the first vector, ATC says to expect lower altitude once clearing traffic. Pilot says "traffic in sight", and asks to continue decending for the field, even going through the other guy's altitude.
Question: Can ATC allow this descent? The pilot has declared an emergency...as far as ATC goes, are IFR separations still required for the aircraft in distress while having traffic in sight above 180?
I would think that part 91.3 has some limitations....
Thank you in advance.