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VCOA

Asked by: 1464 views Instrument Rating

Can you use a VCOA in IMC?

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2 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Jul 11, 2021

    If you mean flying a VCOA when the specified visual conditions are not met to the altitude prescribed in the procedure, no. In many instances some or all of the VCOA may be technically IMC in that they are not VMC because of clearance from clouds and a visibility lower than 3 SM, but you must still remain in visual conditions. Most VCOA will require a visibility of 3 SM, but some may require less, such as 2 SM. So once you are in class E airspace, cloud separation requirements of 500 feet below the ceiling and 3 SM visibility apply for VMC, but under IMC in visual conditions, as long as you remain clear of the clouds and maintain the specified flight visibility, the VMC limitations do not apply. So if the VCOA requires 2 SM and a 1500 foot ceiling, you will not be VMC when you climb into E airspace, but you can maintain visual conditions until you enter the clouds at 1500 feet.

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  2. Russ Roslewski on Jul 12, 2021

    John is correct, you must have the ceiling and visibility required to conduct the VCOA. Whether that means you are VMC or technically IMC due to not maintain cloud clearance (but still clear of clouds), either is acceptable.

    If you see a VCOA visibility requirement that is less than 3, that is an older procedure. The rules were changed in 2016 to require a 3 mile visibility be the minimum published. Procedure will be updated as they are amended for other reasons (but this will take many years, as departure procedures don’t need to be amended as often as approach procedures).

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