UPS cargo crash near Birmingham AL

[Old Boeing Driver]

PopeSweetJesus

I mentioned the RWY 27 Localizer approach at KSAN for an example of the visual cues to have flying down the side of the hill. It is a strange illusion sometimes, especially at night.

That particular approach will leave you low on the PAPI's if you hustle to minimums from the FAF, which calls for crossing REEBO at 1,800 and descending to an MDA of 680.

However, the approach shows a 3.14 degree glide path from REEBO to the TCH of 66'

The PAPI's are set with a glide path of 3.50 degrees.

If one setup a descent at about 6-700 FPM at REEBO, you would probably stay on the PAPI's

If one stayed level at 1,800 after passing REEBO, you would capture the PAPI's a little farther in and begin your descent.

I know we should not be discussing this approach on this thread, but it makes the point on the KBHM Localizer 18 approach, that even if they had stayed at 1,380 after IMTOY, they would have eventually seen the 2red/2white PAPI's

The same is true if they had descended to 1,200 after IMTOY. They would have eventually seen the 2red/2white PAPI's.

The mystery still is why were they 200+ feet low, inside of IMTOY.

Sorry to be so wordy on this one.

Regards