Hardest Approach

[**777lover**]

This is for all you pilots out there. In your experiences what airport has the hardest approach? All areas of the world welcome and closed airports included (Kai Tak). I would prefer to hear about large airliners (ERJ > 747-400) but this does not matter.

Thanks for getting involved!

Dave

[AIRWAY]

Hi,

FNC/LPMA - Madeira Island ( Portugal ) our own European Kai Tak


http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/open.file/297683/M/
http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/open.file/393009/M/
http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.cgi?129545
http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.cgi?123104

[Boeing 7E7]

The third picture (taken by the FO!) shows the detail of the airport and it's surroundings you tend not to notice when actaully operating the aircraft into FNC. Interesting!

[DBate]

Notso Fantastic:

I can assure you, that we're following those regulations strictly in Germany - at least at the major airline over there in 'old europe'.

Starting 1st November it's strictly forbidden to give even airline employees - colleagues that is - a jump seat. Only on duty flight crew is allowed.
Sad but true.

So long, DBate
P.S. And now back to the original topic

[redsnail]

Hardest approach,
Any one you are doing for a job skill check.

You either look like or at the end of it.

[AFA]

Anywhere in Greece at 2am. You only realise how many mountains are around when you look outside the window on a clear night and can`t see any stars.
Not difficult just a bit sobering.

[Flap Sup]

Although not for heavy jets, Honnongsvåg in northern Norway, or Mo I Rana, also Norway. LLZ ofset by 90-110 degrees. Wideroe used to fly to both airfields with their -8, but now Honnongsvåg is closed.

[Md-driver]

Circling approach into ALTA Norway on a stormy, snowy night.
Most non-precision approach in rough weather, makes a difficult approch nomater hoew easy it seems on a clear calm day.

[BN2A]

Innsbruck?

[2FLYEU]

one of the worst ones has to be MHTG (Toncontin,Tegucigalpa,honduras) in Central America.

6000 ft runway, surrounded by High terrain everywhere.
Worst during rainy season May-Oct...very Low ceilings and/strong
cross winds...
Really Crap ATC
We use to do it on 737's 200/300 which worked
then on A-320 ......not very convinced

[**777lover**]

Thankyou

Thankyou For Everyones Great replies. This was only my second post and over a 1000 people have veiwed it and 11 replies this is fantastic.

Once Again Thankyou

Dave

[Dan Winterland]

The VOR approaches on 13L and 13R at JFK - the dreaded 'Carnasie' approaches. Despite their being perfectly serviceable ILSs on both runways, you have to do the curving VOR to prevent the locals of Queens getting annoyed by your noise.

The ILS from the north into Macau is very similar to the famous IGS at Kai Tak.

[I P freely]

An approach into a place called Isafjordur in Iceland or Siglufjordur in Iceland.

http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/open.file/385878/M/
http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/open.file/391765/M/

[Bokomoko]

Hardest approach?
Hmmm... Circling a 737 or a 757 to runway 28 at La Paz/Bolivia, at 14,500ft, with gust wind and downdrafts over the city, located no more than 2 miles from runway threshold.... or circling an A320 or a 737 to runway 02 at Santos Dumont airport, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil, at night... truly exciting!
By the way... La Paz airport is 13,300ft above sea level and Santos Dumont airport main runway lenght is no more than 1,300m and west sector (where the circling area is) has high mountains and airplanes must be fully configured prior to turn base.
Bkmk

[OSCAR YANKEE]

Now U did say larger airplanes. (....and most of the responses refer to places with instrument approaches....)
BUT!
In Afghanistan there is a dirtstrip in Yakowlang (8848 ft MSL - usually ISA +20'C in the summertime) where the terrain sorrounding is of such a character that I sincerely doubt any aircraft weighing more than 12500 lbs legally could fly there. (Due to stricter performance certification requirements.) I can't even begin to describe the approach.
I use to come there in a KingAir for the UN and all firsttimers had the same reaction when flying overhead. (something along the lines of "You are NOT taking me down there!")
This place beats anything I have seen, and Funchal/Madeira ie. does'nt even come close.......

[Johnman]

Dan Winterland, So many pilots especially the ones flying the widebody jets after a long flight are not really comfortable with the approach procedure to 13L AND13R, but ATC are not taking that into consideration, may be they are not getting enough feedback, this is not to say it is the most difficult approach once you are familiar, but I agree with you that it is not ideal and at times (weather conditions) it is not the safest approach to do.

[cabiatir]

How about a night VOR for RWY 06 at Naples (italy-LIRN). An all time favourite with a hill higher than you on the left and a nice volcano a lot higher than you on the right

[FJJP]

How about Gibraltar on a filthy rainswept night with the wind from the southwest? Severe turbulence, downdraft at 600ft, updraft at 150ft, turn onto rwy heading at 1/2 mile finals, wet runway, no undershoot, no overrun, rainwater lake just passed Spanish road - good game!

[**777lover**]

Superb

All i want to say is a big thanks to everyone who has posted on my forum. I guess it wont be long before i am moved so i just wanted to say a big thanks.

All your responses have been just great!!!

Dave