It sounds perfectly reasonable, if an airline cannot train it's pilots to perform a visual approach safely then they shouldn't be flying them. Some would argue if this is the case then they shouldn't be flying at all.

To ensure safety either increase piloting standards or reduce the level to which they need to perform. Obviously the first option is preferable but if not practical then restrict them to coupled ILS approaches on long runways with higher minima and leave the non precision approaches in poor weather to pilots competent to fly them.

http://youtu.be/h3kREPMzMLk

25 minutes but I think you guys and gals will like it.

Interesting. Next SFO I do, i'll ask for the visual and tell them ''I'm British don't you know!'' Only problem with that is for the radio work as I would need to be PM. So, unless I have another capable Westerner sat next to me, I'm buggered as it's noodle boy doing the landing!

I could always get my Asian/Arabic F/O to do the PM role but unless he tells them the Captains OK ''cause he's British'', we wouldn't be offered the visual.

The 3rd alternative is that SFO ATC gets its **** together and starts providing the sort of service that many other International airports do automatically. Why make life more difficult than it really needs to be? JFK is another guilty party at times. ATC please note. You are there to provide US a service, not the other way round!

I'm not trying to make excuses for what will probably turn out as pilot error. Whether it is blamed on poor training, cultural issues or simply that the guy's ability was below average, flying into modern and busy ATC environments should be made as easy as possible regardless. It's called CRM. 'The use of all available resources, whether it be the aircraft, crew, ATC, engineering or any other resource for the safe operation of the flight. I don't think having a serviceable ILS available is too much to ask, is it?

Harry

I remember the days when going into London Gatwick in the early hours when dark and being offered visual inside East Grinstead which we all accepted with thanks.

Is this still on offer when quiet and weather good?

Clearly that was for locals only as for SFO now. Having said that I have seen a United B744 go around at SFO as too high and the trouble with SFO ATC they never tell you miles to run and you never know when going out say on the 140 Radial when they are going to turn you in for finals. US ATC is always frantic and how those without English as their first language get by sometimes amazes me.

NOODLE BOY? You you you.................