High Elevation Airport as En-Route Alternate

[Ted744]

Hi guys, got a question that I can't quite find the answer to, maybe some of you guys will know. As you may know, there are many high elevation/altitude airports in China, airlines flying to these airports need special training for their pilots, but what if it's just being declared as an en-route alternate? Is it legal to file it as an en-route alternate? do the pilots still need the special training? given that the airport is suitable and adequate of course. Any ideas? Best if there's a regulation, AC or anything official that explains this. Thanks!!!

[flyhardmo]

Ted, when there is an emergency all 'normal' operating procedures go out the window and you do what you need to do to save your a$$. In a time critical event if that is the closest piece of ground then "your" special training ie: as a cockpit crew is all that is needed to get you safely on the ground.
In a non- time critical situation then you can take the time to evaluate whether that high altitude airport is indeed suitable for your situation but I wouldn't take the fact that I have never had special training as a factor in making my decision.

Use common sense

[Ted744]

@flyhardmo, agree with you, but actually I meant if it's legal to file it as an en-route alternate. Let me edit my original post~ so any thoughts on that?

[joprato]

I agree with flyhardmo here,

The "special training" pilots receive to operate at these high elevation airports is usually just for the company, in case an incident would happen and insurance needs a proof that the pilot was in fact "capable" of flying and managing the plane at this given airport.
In an emergency, as soon as the airport is suitable for you to land and save the aircraft and everyone on board, just go for it. By emergency i mean critical condition of course.
If not critical just choose what suits you most, and just that. Never think that because you didn't receive this company check for this given airport you are not allowed to land on it. Suitable, go, not suitable, next option.

Cheers

[Ted744]

@flyhardmo @joprato thanks for the reply, I agree with you guys, when in an critical situation all rules and regulations are out of the window, however, what I meant was is it legal for it to be planned and filed as an en-route alternate when the crew are not properly trained. The training is not just for the company, it's actually written in a CAAC's AC that requires pilots to take the special training and even has restrictions on who can be the PIC and more. Any more thoughts that can help?

[hamil]

Ted744,

The answer is no. An airport category C requires prior special training and familiarization to be operated by a crew, so if a possible enroute alternate is included on that list, for example: Kathmandu, it can't be considered as an option for flight planning purpose.

Rgds.

[Ted744]

@hamil thanks! is there any official document that says that?

[CDRW]

For an airport to be Cat C - is this decided by the operator or the authority.

[bucks_raj]

What good is an alternate which can not be used. Suitable and adq are terma used only in etops. Will you file a strip when it is closed.

Here in India the "ALL WEATHER OP's" published by DGCA clearly specifies the aerdrome/airport must be use able by the aircraft and the crew.

If a strip only has a GPS approach and the pilot isnt qulifed for it , he Cannot file it.

[Iron Duke]

For me publishing an en-route alternate prior to the commencement of the flight must satisfy the same scrutiny as the destination. i.e. prior to any in flight critical situation ..

Therefore if the en route alternate is CAT C then the Captain has to have that airfield endorsement prior to departure ...

Just my thoughts ..

I.Duke

[Sky Dancer]

Iron Duke , you are correct , any planned operation into a CAT C airport requires a clearance.