BOAC wrote:
a) 1) There is no such thing as a 'trial' approach in this world. The approach was made to land or go-round if necessary.
a) 2) We understand there was probably a Precision (PAR) service available but not used by the crew
a) 3) None of the possible 'terrain' or 'obstacle' data would in any way affect the conduct of a properly flown approach
b) The 'approach' information given by ATC to the 'pilot' was, as far as I can see from the transcript, advisory due to a) 2 above. Certainly in the western world ATC cannot prevent an a/c from making an approach.
You may have noticed the flight was military, into a military airbase, flown by military pilots. This means that your expectations are not what happened. Based on 36 plus military flying with the highest attainable ratings:
a) There are trial approaches.
b) FAA and western world rules inapplicable here.
c) Terrain and obstacles determine minimas, and piloting technique. Ever been to Kai Tak?
Finally, in certain military organizations, ATC gives direct orders to the PIC about mission progress. ATC communication is part of C3I.