Is 2000ft QNH too low for an initial step climb SID level
 

Hi,

From a flight deck ops point of view, is 2000ft QNH too low for an initial level in a step climb SID? Typical aircraft types using it would be A320, B737.

Airfield elevation is about 270ft. 2000ft QNH would be terrain safe and level flight at 2000ft would only be for about 3 miles before a further climb to 3000ft.

I am aware that this is low for a SID level but is it workable?

Thanks for any replies,

52N

Dublin anyone?:)

Workable, but it does increase the flight deck workload on the 737 (and I think AB) due to the way the automatics work. I think Tel Aviv was also 2000' westbound to deconflict with arriving traffic?

Thanks for the replies,

I don't have access to the Dublin charts at the moment, does anyone know if they do stop at 2000'? and if so is the chart / SID available to view online - I cannot find an Irish AIS site.

Thanks

52N

Tel Aviv was 2000 feet due to the military free lane running up the coast at 3000. The outbound routes that did not conflict with the ILS 12 were still limited to 2000 feet to avoid the odd fighter looking at the beauties on the beach from 3000.

- Ta woodie. I must say I never could see enough detail from 3000' elsewhere so those Israeli drivers must have very good eyesight:D

The Dublin C and D sids all go straight to 5000ft.

Makes for quite a high workload but my question regarding such a procedure is what about noise - the airport must have very friendly locals!

Regards,

DFC

Noise is obviously a consideration, however the 2000' flight would only last for about 3 miles over open countryside before further climb.

Can't se any problem with flying a short level segment at 2,000', we do it often (A320). I find it helps to set the acceleration and thrust reduction altitudes to 1,000 or even 800' as, if you leave it at the standard (for our company) 1,500 the level off is a bit too aggressive!

3 Point

Dublin has Cat B sids stopping at 4000' and 2000'. Even a 146 reaches 2000' fairly quickly though.