What am I missing? I've read the inquiry several times and it simply does not compute. Here's why: For non-ILS approaches, the properly aligned PAPI is a great aid. However, it seems to me that at levels as low as 200' agl, the pilot should be looking at the rwy, not the PAPI. If, by the time s/he reaches about 200' - 300' agl, but cannot
clearly see the rwy, the Go Around procedure should already be in process. I do not know the lowest effective height agl for PAPI, but by 200' the touchdown spot should be the only focal point or, again, the Go Around
already in progress.
Go, what am I missing? A lower agl threshold certainly may be appropriate for a low/slow airplane like a C172, with a landing/stall speed of well <<100Kts. But, for a large transport, landing and well >>100kts, it is simply too late for the PAPI to be on any real value. Straighten me out guys! Thanks.
