Rarotong ILS Minimums?
 

Some questions about Rarotonga’s Decision Altitudes & Minimums:

1. Why are the Decision Altitudes so high – 479’ AGL & 656’ AGL?
2. I would assume that the Minimums (3000 Meters) are based somewhat on the high Decision Altitudes – but still they seem a high – even with the lack of ALS. Is this based on a PANS-OPS standard?
3. Why are the Decision Altitudes rounded to a nice even number 500’ and 650’ – this is the first time I’ve seen that done on a Precision Approach?
4. Are there operators that are able to fly lower than these Approach Minimums/Decision Altitudes?

I’m not that familiar with PANS-OPS – so that may be where my questions are coming from.

Appreciate any information on this subject.

LL

LOKE

Recommend you email your query to [email protected]. To ensure receipt copy james.terpstra@xxxxxx

Happy Holidays!

LOKE - I don't have a copy of the Jepp plates to hand but from memory the high minima are a because of no ALS and most restricting, obstacles in the missed approach path.

The 26 ILS is nice to fly on a nice day but look at the terrain out the LHS and you'll wonder how it was ever certified in the first place. Bear this in mind during strong northerly winds!

Yes I agree the 3000m seems high - I would have thought 1500m more appropriate. From an operational point of view the only time visibility reaches this level or worse is during heavy precipitation which is typically temporary in nature.

In the past 10 years the two main operators have been GZ and NZ and I doubt either of them have lowered minimums - I'm sure many dark stormy approaches have had crews wishing they were.....

mcdude