Like your other readers, I eagerly anticipate each month's issue of IFR, as I consider it a must-read for any pilot who wishes to maintain a level of professionalism regardless of whether they get paid to fly an aircraft or not. However, for the first time I was disappointed in the potentially deadly advice given by Frank Bowlin in the sidebar "Don't Sweat the Lights" (March 2009 IFR).rnOperating below the MDA on non-precision approaches is practical and legal in accordance with FAR 91.175(c)(3), but I contend that routine use of this practice leads to complacency, and may lead to disaster.rnOptical illusions found during low visibility conditions canrnhide obstacles unknowingly in the approach path even with the airport in clear view. This is compounded at night, where many obstacles are not visible at all.
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