PilotEdge Forums

I wonder if someone can advice on how to correctly descend to Palm Springs airport.
I often fly from KSNA to KPSP in IFR with a Cessna 182 (SLI V64 TRM), usually after crossing the mountains before TRM VOR I receive the clearance for "visual approach RWY 31L", since the weather is almost always nice there
At the time of this clearance, I am about 15-20 miles east of the airport but still at 11.000 ft. What is the correct way to loose altitude before the final approach? Circling? Currently I am flying opposite direction with a 1000 fpm descend (poor passengers...), and then turn on final when I reach about 5000 ft.

Thanks, Thomas

The only way you'd be cleared for the visual is if you reported the field in sight. You'll need to establish a descent profile to arrive at the field in a position to conduct a normal landing. You could start by establishing a descent with reduced power, after which you'll quickly work out if it's going to work out or not. If not, then you adjust your track over the ground (making it longer) to give yourself more time to descend. Stay clear of clouds, the route is up to you. It is all about energy management. This is a skill worth mastering, you'll need it on nearly every flight.

Could always cancel IFR too and just keep flight following into PSP

How would cancelling change his descent profile?

I was under the impression that "expect visual approach" did not give you the o.k. to start your descent unless they tell you to change altitudes to xxx alt. I thought you had to hear those magic words "cleared for..." before you could start down. Is that incorrect?

Keith Smith wrote:How would cancelling change his descent profile?

You could descend below the MEA, earlier

He said he was cleared for the visual approach 15-20 miles from the field. You guys are talking about a different scenario.

Ok, but it's a valid technique to avoid getting into the visual approach 20 miles from the airport.

For the OP, then, do 360's out there or turn perpendicular to the field for a while until it looks good to turn back.

Or shoot the VOR approach and fly a turn or two in hold to get down