Air Asia X Busts Altitude 2 Days In A Row At Ool

[1a sound asleep]

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/.../05/11/216545_gold-coast-news.html (http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/05/11/216545_gold-coast-news.html)

"AIR Asia X is being investigated for two safety breaches in two days while on approach to Gold Coast Airport.

One of the incidents on May 4 involved a plane dropping below the safe minimum radar altitude while it was coming in to land at the Gold Coast from Kuala Lumpur.

Adding to the seriousness of the incident was low cloud making for poor visibility.

The investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau also lists a 'similar incident by the same aircraft type' on May 3.

Director of aviation safety investigations for the ATSB Ian Sangston said the alleged breaches were serious.
The incidents are subject to a serious incident investigation

AIRBUS INDUSTIES A330-343E, 9M-XXB, Gold Coast Aerodrome, 4 May 2010

http://atsb.gov.au/publications/inve...reports/2010/aair/ao-2010-027.aspx (http://atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2010/aair/ao-2010-027.aspx)

[Bluey Snuttzov]

AIRBUS INDUSTIES A330-343E, 9M-XXB, Gold Coast Aerodrome, 4 May 2010

http://atsb.gov.au/publications/inve...reports/2010/aair/ao-2010-027.aspx (http://atsb.gov.au/publications/inve...reports/2010/aair/ao-2010-027.aspx)Thanks for that link 1a sound asleep

I was beginning to think it was just another figment of the media's imagination.

[Basil]

Your Say

"I was on that flight - we made 3 low-flying (and very concerning) attempts at landing until we were diverted to Brisbane international and then made to sit on the plane for 4 hours for paperwork to allow us to go back and try Gold Coast again. Staff were silent, unhelpful and hid at the back of the plane. Low budget=understatement.That's the last time we travel Air Asia."
Dave
I think I'd have disembarked at Brisbane.

[smiling monkey]

4 hours on the ground at Brisbane waiting to fly to Gold Coast? Bloody hell ..it's just a one hour drive from there!!

[bekolblockage]

Well the initial report is not particularly well written:

During an approach in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), the aircraft went below the radar lowest safe altitude.

Er, 'scuse me, but don't most instrument approaches go below the MVA?
Do they mean the aircraft busted as assigned altitude during radar vectors?
I wish they'd say that if it is the case.

[elrey_b_jepp]

Anyway,

what is the nomenclature safe 'minimum radar altitude'.
MVA is minimum vector altitude, ... never heard of it.

RB

[Pugilistic Animus]

MVA is minimum vector altitude, ... never heard of it.

MVA is NOT for pilot use only ATC and it's not published:)

[bekolblockage]

Here's an example of it not being published. ;)

http://www.hkatc.gov.hk/HK_AIP/AIP/AD/HK_AD2-101.pdf

[Basil]

bekolblockage,
Yes, CX had min vectoring alt charts in the Jeps.
One or two chaps dipped slightly below whilst on check/training rides and suffered a corresponding dip in their careers :{

There but for the grace etc . . . .

[PT6A]

We also have it on our LIDO charts....

[LMX]

Some countries publish MVAs, some don't...

[Artificial Horizon]

Having returned recently from overseas I would have to say that Australia is a very challenging environment to fly in. Australia in my opinion rates behind many third world countries in ATC and approach aids, mix that with some very odd rules and regulations that at times are totally opposite to practices everywhere else and I am suprised that this sort of thing doesn't happen more often. The gold coast is now becoming a very busy airport with substantial large jet operations, not having precision approaches in place is 'poor'. Not excusing poor airmanship but many of the practices in Oz do nothing but line-up the first couple of layers of swiss cheese. Taking medium size jets into CTAF's and airfields that don't even have fire coverage...... madness and totally unnecessary in this day and age:ugh:

[Tankengine]

Re Gold Coast Airport, an ILS cannot be built at either end due terrain, :ugh:
If an ILS is required BNE is a short distance to the north.:ok:

[mates rates]

I agree with you AH it is real 3rd world stuff in OZ.Whilst those who learn to fly locally are use to this lack of aviation infastructure,and receive the best basic flying experience with the in-built system of GA and the military,the pilots of many overseas operators do not.They are used to slipping down an ILS on every approach.NPA's at such places as OOL,CNS and the like, need experience, an alert pilot (not fatigued) good training and your full attention.This will not be the last we hear of such incidents at such places as OOL.As for an ILS at OOL,I see no problem on the 32 approach,only local lobby groups !!