Khartoum Haboob Query

[Steady Eddie]

Does anyone here have experience flying to Khartoum form May to September?
I'll be flying down there soon, and understand that haboobs are quite common. What could I expect to see, in relation to viz, etc. How high can they go? At what level of decreasing viz, though an approach may be possible, should one be avoided in order to prevent engine damage? The approach will most likely made in the late evening.
What is Port Sudan like as an alternate?

Any useful information would be appreciated.

[fireitup]

Viz >500m during usual duststorm
<500m during the Haboob.

Vertically usually tops out at about FL100, duststorms are a daily occurence and landing not really a problem. Haboobs are caused by approaching CB and the viz goes to nothing...landing not possible.

The ILS for 18/36 is currently serviceable and takes you down to minimas (200') but the viz has to be greater than 1200m to commence approach. ATC will let you commence if less than 1200m.

Port Sudan is the primary alternate...+-1hr at 350kts...fuel available, good approach procedure and fairly decent Hilton.

[Steady Eddie]

Thanks fireitup,

Do Khartoum issue Sigmets if a haboob is approaching? How much advance warning is given of the development of one of these things, apart form the usual Taf? How long is it's life cycle usually? Is holding a reasonable option until it blows itself out. My Met manual says the duststorm is followed by a torrential downpour and thunderstorm after which conditions improve.

[fireitup]

The Haboob can continue for a number of hours. Khartoum will issue sigmets when viz is expected to be below 1000m.

If the viz is reported to be below 200m then diverting to your alternate is the only option. If you're flying over from Europe you an skip over the pond to Jeddah and hang about unil it blows itself out, usually by midnight it would've cleared up nicely.

The famed Haboob is caused by approaching Thunderstorms, which usually hang around for 2hrs max before the area is clear again.

[break dancer]

"ATC will let you commence if less than 1200m."

Numerous Antonovs have done this at their own peril....Why push a bad situation, you know the WX expected there. If it's crap, divert..... and live to fight another day.

[Steady Eddie]

Thanks Guys, forewarned is forearmed.
One final question, from your experience at what level of poor viz, though an approach is possible, would the dust and sand be bad for an aircraft engines, bleed packs etc.?

[Treetopflyer]

Btw, another question out of curiosity: why are the viz minima at 1200m? Quite high compared to the standard 550m for a full ILS...

[fireitup]

No RVR monitors