45 lbs over gross...would you go?

[Jeff Oslick]

My philosophy: If it isn't going to look good for me in an accident report, I don't do it.

 

[FastEddieB]

My philosophy: If it isn't going to look good for me in an accident report, I don't do it.

One time I was contemplating landing my Cirrus at Copperhill, TN, at night with the runway lights out of service. A delay leaving St. Augustine had caused me to arrive after dark.

My car was there, and going anywhere else would make for huge logistical problems.

Went so far as to set up on downwind. When I thought I was 45° to the threshold, I began a turn to base. Looking over my shoulder, all I could see was darkness on the ground.

Thought #1: You know, there are mountains around here.

Thought #2: What would the folks on COPA say if one of their high priests of "Most Conservative Action" augered it in on a night approach to an unlit runway in the mountains?

Anyway, full throttle, Vx climb, got above the highest terrain and went to a Dalton, GA. Spent about 4 hours freezing while I waited for a friend to pick me up.

Anyway, this is where peer pressure can be a good thing!

 

[Jeff Oslick]

One time I was contemplating landing my Cirrus at Copperhill, TN, at night with the runway lights out of service.

Glad you made the right choice. I knew a guy on another forum that augered in a few years ago attempting a night landing at an unlit field.

 

[Silvaire]

Post Mortem from the OP...

Of course I didn't go over gross...

Okay, so then why did you die? I hope it wasn't cause you ran out of gas

 

[Gucci Pilot]

Seriously, don't come on here asking if it's ok to break the rules. You already know the answers: Yes the plane will probably fly fine. No you probably won't get caught. Yes it's still illegal.

This.