Hi Flying Daggers,
Yes - a procedure might be designed around a 3 deg. GS intercept @ 3000 ft. AAL, i.e. 9 NM. However, if you are operating with a MSA of 2000 ft. (assuming zero AD elevation) - what would be the problem if you had been cleared to descendt to altitude 2000 ft. - and then self-position for a 7 NM final (with GS capture @ 6 NM)?
My point is - above the MSA, yes, it's doable & safe. Below the MSA - oh, no! Not on my watch!
The problem is only one of geometrics, i.e. what distance to aim for in order to intercept the GS at or above the MSA. Whit high MSAs, there is no gain in this. With low MSAs and high procedural altitudes, there might be a gain. But it's not about economics - it's a question of safety & legality.
Brgds
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