SAA A330-200 LOW

[Mike X]

3 minutes ago, a SAA A330 came over (+/-30 degrees) to FACT. I live in Parow and am directly under the flight path.

The bugger was hugging the treetops. Why ? Surely there are minima.

I've been here for almost 10 years and can tell what aircraft from the sound. I was in the kitchen and heard an odd sound for an approach. I rushed out and was greeted with said aircraft a few arms lengths away.

Only other time was an Air Berlin (few years ago & also A330) taking off over us and could have touched it as it went over.

For the record, I'm about 2.5-3.0 km from the airport, as the crow flies.

[Ghost_Rider737]

Well it depends where in Parow you are situated. If you look at google maps you will notice that Parow lies directly beneath the approach path for Runway 19.

If you live 3km from the airport then that would mean you are 1.62 NAutical miles from the airport.

Supposing you live beneath the glide slope then that would mean the aircraft would cross your home at about 600 ft. From the usual 300ft per Nm Rule.

So I guess that would be my explanation.

[Mike X]

Thanks Ghost, but it WAS LOW. I experience incoming/outgoing everyday.

Seriously, it was pulling paint off the rooftops.

I may be a humble spotter, but I have read every manual available over a couple of decades. Also chatted with pilots in cockpit en route (pre 911,742).

My question is : What (if any) regulations exist for minimum height at this point ?

Was about 450-500 feet. Normally about 1500'.

Not directly under. For the 30 degree approach. Normally about 1000' now I think about it.

This bugger was kissing me.

[millertime]

Could have been flying the new RNP AR approach onto RWY 19. Crosses the slopes of tygerberg (sort of right base) approx 1050 agl (thats above the Tygerberg)and rolls wings level on final approach at 1000'. The minima on that approach is just under 500 ft. All perfectly legal, SAA had the approaches designed and were cleared to fly them about 2 months ago in IMC. These are not standard RNAV approaches. They are called RNP- AR (authorisation required). Hope that helps.

[millertime]

Sorry my error! Make that left base,

[Mike X]

millertime

Thanks for your response.

I can accept what you say, but damn, I couldv'e almost grabbed the beauty.

I'm three roads up from Parow Centre.

[Ghost_Rider737]

Well Mike it is SAA procedure to fly ILS assisted visual approaches. I really doubt the Pilot maneuvered below the glide slope.

The new RNP procedures into Cape Town also comply with a standard 3 degree slope. I wish I had a better explanation.....

It is also company procedure to be fully configured below 1000' agl.
My guess is the pilot probably flew an extended final approach segment (from about 12 or so miles out) @1000'AGL until he reached the glide slope.

So they would have crossed your property "lower" than usual. It would also be difficult to judge from your position whether the aircraft was flying level or descending. I would assume it was flying level due to it being an abnormal occurrence. If it was on the glide slope you would have definately noticed other aircraft flying at that altitude before.

[Mike X]

Thanks Ghost.

Thing is, the 73s, ERJs, CRJs etc usually overfly much higher (while descending) and turn to line up.

An A330 is a widebody and this fekker was way too low. The ground slopes down toward the threshold, but never seen an aircraft so low. Usually, the widebodies come in straight.

I'll let know if this happens again.

[Mike X]

Ok. Just came in. Higher.

[Solid Rust Twotter]

Got your flask of tea and packet of cheese sandwiches, then? Try not to fall over and drool on your anorak when they pass overhead.

[cavortingcheetah]

Resolve the ambiguity! Look no further than here!
Range finders for sale in South Africa
Of course you need to be careful where you point the thing!

One explanation that does suggest itself is that the crew were trying to fly a manual approach. Isn't an Airbus so designed as only to be flown by a computer and not by a human?

[Mike X]

Ooh SRT. I'll find you at Gilroys, and I won't be wearing an anorak.

Seriously, children, the beautiful buggar was on the rooftops at 60 off base square overhead.

I'm not complaneing (see what I did there ?), but just wish to know why.

Admittedly, I have no idea what watches the pilots were donning, but I guess they were robust !

Suppose a waterproof watch has its advantages when crossing an ocean.

[Solid Rust Twotter]

They're stalking you to mess with your head...

[Mike X]

Good one.

As a taxpayer, gives new meaning to "seeing your money fly".