Question

Generally, if reductions in airspeed below about 40 knots are required to see and avoid terrain and obstacles when operating under VFR, what action should a crew take to avoid encountering IIMC at the last moment?

Answer 1

When operating under VFR, if a crew needs to reduce airspeed to avoid terrain and obstacles, they should take immediate action to prevent encountering IIMC at the last moment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), it is important for the crew to maintain an airspeed above 40 knots to see and avoid terrain and obstacles. However, if they find themselves in a situation where they need to reduce their airspeed below 40 knots to avoid these obstacles, they should take immediate action to prevent encountering Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC) at the last moment.

The crew should prioritize the following actions:

1. Ascend to a higher altitude where the visibility may be better and the risk of encountering IIMC is reduced.
2. Turn away from the obstacles or terrain that they were trying to avoid, as this will prevent the need for further reductions in airspeed.
3. Communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to inform them about the situation and request guidance or assistance.

By taking these actions, the crew can reduce the likelihood of encountering IIMC and ensure the safety of the flight.