If I can get an airplane below the clouds into good visibility, I'll only vector for an instrument approach if the pilot requests it.
Again, you cannot go wrong with an instrument approach. I’m all for visuals when the time is right as you said if I can get them into conditions that are to me going to guarantee a visual approach then they can have it. But when you work with two airports that are 6 miles apart with same exact config or actually have a few in the sequence I’m about what’s best for me and the operation. If that’s a visual approach then so be it.If I can get an airplane below the clouds into good visibility, I'll only vector for an instrument approach if the pilot requests it.
Also works for 9-10 aircraft all on frequency on a mix of downwinds, bases, and straight-ins. It's all about picking your sequence early enough so you can give a good vector and place them in position to see each other.Agree with Dank. I imagine with two to sequence that would work assuming they can actually see traffic when it is pointed out. When you get three in the mix, it’s a ballsy move with all direct. Unless you’re hoping the Tower does your job lol.
Well if it works at a place that has 4 towered airports all within a 10 mile chunk of airspace, I see no reason that it wouldn't work at your facility.But when you work with two airports that are 6 miles apart with same exact config or actually have a few in the sequence
I've seen that tried. Not so successful hahaI gotcha. I thought you were talking about leaving aircraft direct the field for the visuals, and only vectoring when they requested it.
Also works for 9-10 aircraft all on frequency on a mix of downwinds, bases, and straight-ins. It's all about picking your sequence early enough so you can give a good vector and place them in position to see each other.
Well if it works at a place that has 4 towered airports all within a 10 mile chunk of airspace, I see no reason that it wouldn't work at your facility.
Unless an aircraft is already on a straight-in, vectoring for an instrument is going to at least be an extra 3-6 miles. 3 miles extra for the base, 6 miles for a downwind. And even more wasted space if they'll turn a base on their own at 3 mile final. Places I've worked, there is absolutely no faster way to get aircraft on the ground than effective use of visuals and using them as much as possible.