Hi All,When should we use the RADIO and BARO settings on the Minimums selection knobs??Regards,Tristan

It can vary by the terrain as you approach based on the policy for that airport. The radio altimeter reads above ground altitude based on reflected radio waves similar to but not radar technology. It can some times give false readings due to a cross depression or hill on an approach that is safe to ignore. It does not depend on your setting altimeter pressure and is more accurate at close range. It is that device used in an autoland to control flare and contact within the last 200 feet or so.BARO means barometer setting minimum based on MSL altitude. It is affected by your pressure setting. It is not accurate enough for an autoland but the radio altimeter is automaticly used for that.Approach plates give both MSL minimums and AGL minimums (in parenthesis) so depending on the approach type (CAT I, II, III) in order of advancing precision you use the proper device.

When should we use the RADIO and BARO settings on the Minimums selection knobs??

Tristan,Contrary to previous reply it is really very simple and it has nothing to do with airport's "policy" or how terrain "vary".ILS CAT II or III - use RADIO,for all other approaches use BARO

...or perhaps more simply:DH? RadioMDA? Baro

I use them as Ron discribed. Depends on what approach I'm executing and whether the terrain is flat or unlevelled. If the approach requires RADIO, I use RADIO. If the approach requires BARO, I use BARO.If the terrain is unlevelled before the runway, with hills for example, or if the runway is much above the terrain covered on the approach, like in Funchal (LPMA), I use BARO, if I have a uniform terrain in my approach path, I use RADIO.

I use them as Ron discribed.

You can do whatever you want, it is only a simulation. But in real world flying what you describe is illegal, doesn't agree with basic IFR procedures.

You can do whatever you want, it is only a simulation. But in real world flying what you describe is illegal, doesn't agree with basic IFR procedures.

May be, but I didn't know how they are used in the real world. Michael, could you also explain what is the utility of QFE altimeter?

Edited May 23, 201115 yr by barfra1995

It helps to read posts. Ok, I am a real world pilot, IFR rated and explained it in post #3. Not enough? Kyle also provided an equivalent explanation.BTW, it belongs to basic aeronautical knowledge, I suggest a google search if all else fails.

Oh, didn't know you are a pilot. Sorry for that. It's because your explanation seemed so simple. I was expecting something... you know... a little more complex :(.

Alas, it's when seemingly simple things are made complex that something's not right.

Hey Tristan. Its pretty simple. If the minimums on the approach pate has an "RA" beside the altitude you use Radio Altimeter. Simple right?JackColwill

Isn't using RA when you're supposed to be on BARO what got the Polish president killed?Use RA if the chart says RA in the minimums. (Cat II and Cat III) You don't get to choose one or the other on personal preference.

Isn't using RA when you're supposed to be on BARO what got the Polish president killed?Use RA if the chart says RA in the minimums. (Cat II and Cat III) You don't get to choose one or the other on personal preference.

The polish president was more likely killed because (they forced?) the pilot to land in conditions he should have diverted fromBert Van Bulck

Hey Tristan. Its pretty simple. If the minimums on the approach pate has an "RA" beside the altitude you use Radio Altimeter. Simple right?JackColwill

Thanks Jack and Everyone!Its just I am usig the iFly 737 in readiness for the NGX and the BARO and RA only go up in tens... SO my Decision was 188' feet last night and therefore couldnt set that exactly, could only set 180 or 190 to get the closest.... Thanks all for clarrification!

Some airlines dictate using RA on CAT I approaches. I have an article describing an approach into a Spanish airport where an RA warning was suggested to be ignored for that specific approach.