Pilots,
We in PRG will be experiencing some major taxiway WIP, a high-speed turnoff construction. This brings lengthy closure of the (predominantly used) RWY 24/06. Also, as the two concrete strips we have intersect, significant shortening of RWY 31/13.
So far, the information provided to flight crews and aviation professional is limited, non-indicative and shows inexperienced skills of Local Airport Authority, Aeronautical Information Service and CAA oversight alike.
So far the only information available, as retrieved by NOTAM bulletin is right here:
Hint 1: depending on your company-specific NOTAM retrieval process, you may not know about these as they are yet to come in force.
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0404080600-0405161500 LKPR N LK A0137/04
TRIGGER NOTAM:
DISTRIBUTED AIP SUP 4/04: THR RWY 13 DISPLACED BY 300M AND RWY 13/31 SHORTENED TO 2950M. DECLARED DISTANCES RWY 13/31:
RWY TORA TODA ASDA LDA
(M) (M) (M) (M)
13 2950 3100 2950 2950
31 2950 2950 2950 2950
LGT AND MARKING ACCORDING TO ANNEX 14, PAPI RWY 13 U/S.
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0404050600-0405161500 LKPR N LK A0145/04
TRIGGER NOTAM:
DISTRIBUTED AIP SUP 4/04 WEF 5 APR 04: RWY 06/24 CLSD, WIP. DAY AND NIGHT MARKING.
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For convenience, have a look at the
supplement.
Hint 2: Although it is not THAT self-evident, there will be no ILS on RWY 31 since the localizer antenna WILL be shielded by machinery behind TEMP DERA.
The rumour has it that no information will be issued regarding the ILS 31 down until it happens.
The orographics for the last four miles on RWY31 are very nasty. Two valleys, two hills with large housing estates, steeply raising slope within the last mile with elevated motorway right beneath your MINIMA call-out. If the winds are somewhat aligned with runway, no big deal up to 20 kts, really. However, especially with LEFT crosswinds the challenge already starts below ten.
Hint 3: The still to be closed RWY24 is the mostly suitable one regarding prevailing winds. EXPECT left crosswinds on 13/31.
The rumour has it that the working period will be extended. Even if not so, with limited and longer that usual taxi routings, there will be congestion, CTOTs running out et cetera. Weather will have a say, we have a saying "April weather..." for hastiness and incostinency here.
Hint 4: Stress will affect your judgement, be aware.
In conclusion:
PRG, starting April 5 surprisingly turns to non-precision only, high-risk airfield. If you are only an infrequent visitor, even worse.
One approach option is VOR/DME 13 that sometimes catches you hot over FAF, our ATCOs are dedicated professionals indeed, but pity is they lack the expertise and cockpit-insight of their London TMA counterparts, stay alert. But at the bottom of it, displaced threshold, no PAPI !!!, close in WIP, bad visual clues. Be prepared. Also, lack of suitable turnoffs, there surely will be go-arounds due to A/C on runway. DEFINITE black-hole effect at night! No centreline, no PAPIs, distracting lights on shorts, no LDZ lights.
Even as I write I get more and more upset, is this Al-Quaeda plot or what?
Option two none the better, 2NDB RWY 31, sloping terrain upwards, some up-slope even on the approach-lighting system, uneasy crosswind conditions, again, no centreline, no TDZ lighting. PAPI installed this time.
Departure rwy 31 probably Ok, no big deal.
Departure rwy 13 again an issue, although not really connected to WIPs. Noise abatement procedures that call for an early turn after departure AND are incorrectly coded in 737 FMC database.
Hint 5: Going to PRG, you may want to refresh from your ALAR material, it will come useful on summer destinations anyway.
Primarily, we use alternates LKTB, LKMT, LZIB (BRQ, OSV, BTS). Yet, LKTB that is absolutely ok, has very limited parking space (4 x 737 guess I). Once the weather is crap, I suggest you DO NOT plan fuel for LKTB (closest option), since you don't want to be caught pants-down circling overhead apron stacked with our planes that will have arrived 20 min earlier. EDDP, LKMT, LZIB are ways to do. Vienna is bit crowded for my taste, your call.
Hint 6: Please note that in case you use PRG as an alternate for your other destinations, this also affects your planning weather minima.
This post only reflects my personal views. Take it for what it is, albeit feel free to re-post it, print it, alter it, copy-it, share it if you think it is any useful. I very much appreciate your views and comments!
Fly safe!
FD.
PS: Sadly enough, the HSpd TO on RWY24 is worth crap, since it will be constructed some 1000ft BEYOND(!) the point where we decelerate to about 40 kts. I am (sadly) talking about short haul 737 ops that make up as much as 60% of daily movements.