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Old 23rd Apr 2012, 14:12
  #13 (permalink)  
twochai
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: On the lake
Age: 82
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Steepest approaches?

The Dash 7 was the only FAR25 transport category aircraft (AFAIK) certificated for steep approaches up to 7.5 degrees, such as the MLS approach at Vail, Colorado (which was actually 8 degrees).

The Transport Canada certification criteria for steep approach approval were much tougher than the later ICAO standards , which were watered down. For instance, to certify for a 7.5 degree approach slope DHC was required to demonstrate a capture of the G/S from 2 degrees above the 7.5 degree slope, i.e. 9.5 degrees, with One Engine Inoperative!

Oh, and, by the way, the Dash 7 was eventually approved for the 7.5 degree slope with a 10 knot tailwind, at airfield elevations up to at least 10,000' ASL!

Here is an interesting link which tells the airport side of the story:

Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Northwestern Colorado
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