I do not recall anyone seriously questioning this bizarre decision for the Captain to immediately request a 2nd approach on RWY 35 which Cork ATC immediately agreed to. It seems incredibly unprofessional in the absence of any emergency being declared.
The RVRs on RWY 17 were passed by Cork Approach to EC-ITP as 300 m (touchdown), 350 m (midpoint) and 550 m (stop-end) (300/350/550).
In some circumstances, it is a far from bizarre, and perfectly professional decision. The RW35 TDZ RVR exceeded that for RW17.
Now, given the exact minima for Cork, and the limitations for this specific aircraft, it does appear wholly "inappropriate" for the crew to
continue the approach... but such "flexibility" of the crew (did not get in RW17, try 35?) is in fact expected of a commercial operation. Had he flown the approach to ~1000', and continued to minima/gone around if required based on the last RVR, a good decision.
So I disagree with your comments above. The
error was the disregard for the rules.
NoD