Appendix D: Special Terminal Operation Procedures (STOP) for Operations in a Noncontiguous State
D.7.3 Barometric Altimeter Validation
In addition to verifying wind conditions, the visual inspection of the airport prior to landing allows the flightcrew to validate or correct the barometric altimeter using the aircraft’s radio altimeter system.
D.7.4 Radio Altimeter Setting
Prior to the descent for approach to the airport, the flightcrew obtains and sets the nearest reporting station in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.121(a)(1) and the AIM Chapter 7, Section 2, Paragraph 7-2-2, Barometric Pressure Altimeter Errors, subparagraph a. To ensure an equivalent level of safety, the STOP requires the nearest reporting station to be within 75 NM of the destination airport. During the visual inspection, the flightcrew notes the aircraft’s radio altimeter reading. This above-ground height is added to the airport’s elevation, which then gives an MSL height. When required, the flightcrew makes an adjustment of the barometric altimeter to synchronize and ascertain the correct MSL altitude.
D.8 Departure Procedures From a STOP Airport
D.8.1 General
Airports with weather deficiencies are likely to not have instrument departure procedures [i.e., a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) or Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP)].
D.8.2 Departures
Departures from airports with weather deficiencies are done in VFR until reaching the minimum IFR altitude. Where an ODP is published, it is briefed immediately before departure and adhered to as published until:
- A safe altitude is reached,
- The flight has joined the IFR structure, or
- The flight is in VMC where the terrain and obstacles are clearly identified and avoided by a minimum of 1,000 ft.
D.8.3 Departure Data
Departure data is determined using reported METAR elements. When elements are missing, weather data elements are obtained from portable weather observation device or estimation techniques (see Section D.2.3).
D.9 Training for Dispatchers, Flight Followers, and Flightcrew
D.9.1 General
The training curriculum ensures that the dispatcher, flight follower, and flightcrew learn and are able to demonstrate understanding of the following policies and procedures associated with STOP:
- When the program applies.
- The requirements for releasing flights under the program.
- A proven understanding about the pilot and management notification requirements when a flight is released under the program.
The STOP training is required for both initial and annual recurrent training events. Documentation of both initial and annual recurrent training is maintained for each individual.
D.9.2 Introduction for Dispatchers and Flight Followers
Introduction to STOP training for dispatchers and flight followers covers the following topics:
- Regulatory basis for the approved program.
- Minimum weather requirements.
- Dispatch and flight following procedures in accordance with STOP.
- Verification of need for STOP.
- Notification and approval requirements.
- Contents of the weather package.
- Civil twilight or nighttime operational requirements.
- Fuel requirements.
- Briefing requirements.
- Airport risk assessment, strip check, or airport condition report.
- Flight operation in accordance with STOP.
- Airport and runway requirements.
- Operations in Class G Airspace.
- Portable weather observation devices.
- Usage.
- Storage.
- Weather Device Observation Log.