Robinxoog
27th Feb 2004, 07:26
Hi everyone!
Had an interesting experience flying into Adelaide last night, and was wondering if anyone had any details. First time I've ever been in a go-around in a non-lightie, and I was curious as to what circumstances might have led to the situation to begin with. All my observations were from seat 24F, so all implied limitations on what I could possibly know from there.
Here's what I know for sure: at about 2145 local time, we (DJ 358, from Perth) passed to the north of Adelaide airport on a right downwind to runway 23. When we were roughly on a close-in right base, there was another aircraft in the vicinity of the approach lights also landing runway 23. From there, we made a right turn to become established on final (turning final, the PAPI was four whites viewed from row 24), at which point the landing gear was extended, as were the flaps (previously extended to something like a takeoff flap setting - a 737NG driver can probably tell how many degrees that might have been). In the vicinity of the airport boundary, the engines were increased to go-around thrust (or something like it) and we went from a descent to a climb, after which we climbed straight ahead, levelled out, and began another right circuit. At this point the captain made an announcement that we had made a go-around (he referred to it as an "aborted landing") because we had been too close to the preceding aircraft, and that we'd be making a right circuit to land. From there, we maneuvered similarly to the previous approach, except this time we made a dogleg turn to final, and were established on final for only 25 seconds prior to touchdown (this time the PAPI was "on slope", viewed from row 24, turning final). Conditions at the time were clear sky and unrestricted visibility, and calm or light wind.
Does anyone had any further details as to what actually happened?
Of course, I wouldn't be a pilot or a flight instructor (yes, I am both) if I didn't have some guesses or opinions, but I'll keep those to myself... I'm more interested to gather information about what actually happened. Anyone know anything? Feel free to PM if you'd prefer not to reply in public. I'm not a representative or current employee either of Virgin Blue or of any government authority - just an interested party (... with a current application for pilot employment at Virgin Blue :) ).
Cheers,
Robin
Had an interesting experience flying into Adelaide last night, and was wondering if anyone had any details. First time I've ever been in a go-around in a non-lightie, and I was curious as to what circumstances might have led to the situation to begin with. All my observations were from seat 24F, so all implied limitations on what I could possibly know from there.
Here's what I know for sure: at about 2145 local time, we (DJ 358, from Perth) passed to the north of Adelaide airport on a right downwind to runway 23. When we were roughly on a close-in right base, there was another aircraft in the vicinity of the approach lights also landing runway 23. From there, we made a right turn to become established on final (turning final, the PAPI was four whites viewed from row 24), at which point the landing gear was extended, as were the flaps (previously extended to something like a takeoff flap setting - a 737NG driver can probably tell how many degrees that might have been). In the vicinity of the airport boundary, the engines were increased to go-around thrust (or something like it) and we went from a descent to a climb, after which we climbed straight ahead, levelled out, and began another right circuit. At this point the captain made an announcement that we had made a go-around (he referred to it as an "aborted landing") because we had been too close to the preceding aircraft, and that we'd be making a right circuit to land. From there, we maneuvered similarly to the previous approach, except this time we made a dogleg turn to final, and were established on final for only 25 seconds prior to touchdown (this time the PAPI was "on slope", viewed from row 24, turning final). Conditions at the time were clear sky and unrestricted visibility, and calm or light wind.
Does anyone had any further details as to what actually happened?
Of course, I wouldn't be a pilot or a flight instructor (yes, I am both) if I didn't have some guesses or opinions, but I'll keep those to myself... I'm more interested to gather information about what actually happened. Anyone know anything? Feel free to PM if you'd prefer not to reply in public. I'm not a representative or current employee either of Virgin Blue or of any government authority - just an interested party (... with a current application for pilot employment at Virgin Blue :) ).
Cheers,
Robin