Required to use the VASI

[cookmg]

Is a pilot required to follow the VASI on final approach?

 

[Ty Webb]

If you are flying turbine powered equipment, yes,(or a G/S, if provided, until you need to transition for landing.

Now, how and when to transition to land in the touchdown zone, in a jet, well, that ought to be good for at least three pages on this board.

 

[cookmg]

Does anyone have a reference for the requirement of turbine aircraft to use the VASI?

 

[groundpointsix]

91.129(e)(3)
But that's all aircraft, not just turbine. Turbine aircraft are, however, required to fly a pattern 1500' AGL and remain at or above the glideslope prior to the middle marker, per 91.129(e)(1 and 2)

 

[cookmg]

That's great! Thanks a lot!

So, 91.129(e)(3) actually applies to class C and B airspace as well right? But, there are no regulations requiring the use of the VASI at class E or G airports, correct?

 

[TurboS7]

Let's make this the real world. We are on approach into BGR I believe it is runway 33 or31. We are cleared for the visual. Our FOM states that you will land on the first 1500 feet of the runway. The glideslope intercepts the runway at 2857' or thereabout.(I don't have the plate in front of me)The VASI will give you a touchdown right at the fixed distance marker at 1000 feet. If you go to comply with our FOM from the middle marker to the fixed distance marker you would have to maintain 1400 fpm, in which case you get a "sink rate." If you sink below the glideslope then you will get "glideslope." I just shoot a visual use the VASI and don't even bother to tune in the ILS. We have some FO's that insist on turning on the ILS for "safety reasons" I think they just like to hear "glideslope" and claim that I owe them a beer. BTW all my turnoffs are at the first or second intersection with a 738.

 

[CitationLover]

turbos7 said, "....BTW all my turnoffs are at the first or second intersection with a 738."

is that some pickup line you use on the hizzos?

 

[Typhoon1244]

Is that some pickup line you use on the hizzos?

Okay, I give up. What's a "hizzo?"

 

[TurboS7]

Pilot generation gap-I was looking for some sharp lawyer stuff and all I get is garbage. Oh well-too many video games I guess.

 

[CitationLover]

hizzo = ho, ya know slang for whore (at least i think, a student told me what it was)

generation gap? i'm old too.

 

[avbug]

Cook,

You asked if 14 CFR 91.129(e)(3) applies to other airspace. In particular Class E, and Class G.

It is not specified for Class E or G. However, where able, use of the VASI is a good idea.

Old habits die hard for me, still. I fly the VASI for certain types of work, but otherwise I tend to keep the lights red to get that terrible white glare out of my eyes.