Helicopter IFR Technique: Practice Approaches and Traffic Considerations
VFR Practice Approaches Under Radar Control
When you request a VFR practice approach under radar control, you remain a VFR aircraft operating under VFR separation standards until you hear the words “cleared for the approach.” Even then, you are still a VFR aircraft and may not enter the clouds. However, once cleared for the approach, the controller handles you using more restrictive separation standards, generally similar to those used for IFR traffic.
Aircraft not conducting practice approaches must receive priority. Therefore, if the airport is handling a large number of arrivals, those aircraft—especially those making full-stop landings—will be prioritized over aircraft conducting practice approaches.
I instructed helicopter pilots at a Class C airport and regularly checked in with the TRACON serving that airport. I wanted to ensure that our unit received the training we needed without negatively affecting the other users of the airport or the ATC system.
The controllers always appreciated it when we conducted our instrument training at satellite airports within the Class C area. They were willing to accommodate a practice instrument approach on the way home, but providing multiple approaches could sometimes be difficult. It helped that our helicopter could easily fly 120 knots on final.
The controllers also told me about a technique they appreciated from the slower Navy training aircraft that frequently used the airport. Rather than requesting a practice approach, the pilots would simply request vectors to final. This allowed the instructor and trainee to conduct the practice instrument approach inside the aircraft while relieving the approach controller of the more restrictive separation requirements associated with clearing an aircraft for a practice approach.
Being resourceful and inquisitive about how to accomplish practice approaches will allow you to get the training you need while optimizing ATC ability to provide services.