Billy and Doug plan their descent to the VOR DME-B approach at Daniel Field (KDNL) in Augusta, GA. They've programmed the VSR (vertical speed required) on their GNS 430W to be at 2,100' exactly one (1) mile from EBANS at a 500 fpm descent rate. If they see that descent rate creeping beyond the 500 fpm they will reach out to ATC and request lower. They will not wait to be told. Watch them brief and fly the VOR DME-B approach to KDNL. You'll appreciate why Doug has chosen this particular approach and the lesson he hopes Billy has learned. There are certainly several safer instrument approaches to KDNL. This one is clearly a last resort.

This CloudAhoy flight track shows just how tricky the circling conclusion of this VOR approach into KDNL can be, especially with other traffic in the pattern.

Doug discusses the VOR DME-B approach into KDNL at the evening debriefing session, St. Simons, GA.

View from the pilot in training. What I learned...

"I'm beginning to appreciate Doug's emphasis on being pilot in command. Don't wait to be told when to start your descent, let ATC know you want lower. Your decision may depend on factors that only a pilot can appreciate; e.g., getting through an icing layer quickly. It's also clear to me that flying a circle to land approach should be carefully considered."

BW