asianpilot.com.. only "allegedly" run by a very well respected 777 trainer. (Not a mere STC, BTW)!
Based on my 40? CEB flights in the past 5 years or so.. I can offer.
22 only twice. Once when predicated by a significant thunderstorm. The other time due to tailwind. Both times these were last minute switches in convective summer weather. So expect 04 about 99% of the time. Also one go-around on 04 due preceding traffic on the runway (a Cessna).. so go around at 300 feet into a visual right hand circuit (as per your base training).. excellent fun!
Approach Radar is available again (for now), so for the normal late-morning 921 arrival expect a radar heading before you get to the VOR, taking you to the north of the field on a downwind leg toward an 8-10 mile final. This is due to preceding traffic (Cebu Pacific A320?). This is easy, with descent clearances (due to terrain until close to the city) fairly close to profile.
The only time I seem to get the tear-drop arrival from over the field is for the evening arrival, when there is less traffic. The LNAV/VNAV on the 777 may take you a little bit inside the LOC/GS intercept point on some occasions.
My last visual in CEB was 2005.
Commercial aviation in the Philippines has exploded over the past few years with the emergence of various LCC's flying everything from A320's to Let 410's. In addition there are two busy FBO's with lots of light aircraft. Quite simply there is too much traffic in VMC conditions for visual approaches.
For the departure, expect a step climb. You will probably be held in the mid-high twenties for about 40-80 miles before handover to MNL ACC.
We do not do single pilot IFR in wide-body jets anymore. The operation is two pilots working together - sharing their experience, to get the job done safely and efficiently. If it is a check or training flight, then it is the same but with a brief-debrief to ensure you get the most out of the trip.The exception is if you are on a Command check, where there may be less help available than you may normally expect. Ultimately, a Captain has to be able to sort things out if the RHS lets him down.
Normally, feel free to ask your trainer/checker for his opinion on what to expect... "what happened the last time you came here?" etc. This is especially the case for a new guy, or some-one unfamiliar with the airport. Asking for input/suggestions etc is part of your line check assessment on CRM etc.
I am dubious about earlier contributors suggestions on asking for "headings to the east, and then a visual approach".
- commonly there is significant weather between Bohol and Cebu during the summer months. Hence, the common usage of runway 04.
- the VFR training area for traffic is on the coast to the north east of the airfield. In addition, it is not unusual to have no altitude readout for this traffic on TCAS. There is nothing worse than having your face pressed to the window in hazy weather, with TCAS calling "traffic-traffic"....
Last edited by jonathon68; 12th Jun 2011 at 17:51.