Landing clearance and MDA

[ilphukiir]

Recently shoot a non-precision approach and when approaching MDA Tower controller asked to continue approach due to preceding T.O aircraft still on runway, would like to know what' s the clearance limit when clear for approach and without landing clearance? Thanks a lot.

[Kempus]

Depends on the company landing gate if you have one and experience. Remember you cant go below MDA if not visual but if you are there is nothing stopping you continuing the approach to mapt if it is lower or at a set distance. Sometimes landing clearence wont be given until you are visual with the runway.

If the clearence is land after its then the pilots call to what happens next and you can initiate a missed approach up to the point when you select reverse thrust if you have it so that can means the wheels are on the ground. At a lot of major airports landing clearence can be given at 100ft to keep the flow of traffic going but they will tell you to expect a late landing clearence. If they dont remind them with a quick call giving distance or alt and if no reply go around.

[fireflybob]

Surely two separate issues?

You need visual reference to continue the approach below MDA (as ever!).

You need landing clearance before the wheels touch the tarmac!

[DFC]

Correct fireflybob.

However, performance issues may result in a missed approach below the DA or MDA(MAPT) not being able to follow the published missed approach procedure should an engine fail - something that must be allowed for at all times in a perf A operation.

So even if cleared to land, a missed approach after the DA / MDA(MAPT) is worth having a think about in advance.

[BOAC]

Absolutely, DFC - I used to always brief the two g/a's on 16 at Salzburg for that very reason, much to the puzzlement of some of the less-then-enlightened management..

[fireflybob]

DFC/BOAC thanks - good points

[ilphukiir]

Thanks a lot!