Operating a runway change
 

I have heard talk of the runway system at Frankfurt being a little haphazard, with runway assignments being changed in late descent. I wanted to know whether:

1) This causes huge problems for pilots - surely you have to re-brief, reset the RAD NAV page, check idents etc.

2) Whether this is acceptable procedure, or whether you pilots think it's a little, shall we say, shoddy?

1234

:E

No drama
 

1) It takes about 30 seconds maximum to re-programme the FMS, dial up the new Loc freq, re-brief - no drama really but...

2) It's a bit annoying that they sometimes can't tell you the landing runway until late downwind - although you can have a pretty good guess after a while...

It is what it is..a bit different and makes you think a bit more than normal

:ok:

Runway changes are a part of everyday life, and as long as we're not talking inside, say, 15 trackmiles to go, an experienced crew should have no problems in accomodating a change.

One caveat, though - if it's a training flight, a runway change may overwhelm the trainee and devolve the flight to "involved single-pilot-ops", where the trainer still manages to communicate what is going on and keep the trainee in the loop, but where all learning value has long gone out the window. Not desirable, but managable.

Obviously keeping any semblance of CDA with a late runway change might prove impossible, and generally ATC accept this and plan accordingly, e.g. for an aircraft that has been given extra trackmiles to reduce ROD etc.

Too add my two nickles--to the two very good responses--if you feel wrong---ask for a hold---or---Go 'round laddy's or lass's:)


PA

RWY change on A320
 

Use the SEC-FPLN for preparing the other possible approach and make for both approaches your approach briefing.

Either you fly your active FLT PLN or you activate the SEC-FPLN when cleared for the other approach - takes 2 seconds - and no head down or long talking in 5000ft with many ACFT around and busy controllers on the freq.!

W.