Landing at Caticlan Airport (Boracay, Philippines) back when it was the shortest, commercially served airport in the world for an ATR 72-500 (Circa 2011-2012). This video shows an ATR 72 conducting a special qualification "steep slope approach" with a 5-degree glide slope instead of the typical 3-degrees. This is due to the hill right before the threshold of Runway 24. The runway was only 900 meters long (Less than 3000 feet).

Captains would need to undergo additional simulator training on this specific type of approach before doing the actual landing on Runway 24. They would then do line training under the supervision of a Type Rating Instructor occupying the right seat prior to being checked out for Caticlan 24. An optional "Steep Slope Approach" pushbutton was also installed in the fleet in order to prevent the activation of the EGPWS during final and this was turned on before commencing the approach.

As you can see there is also no visual slope guidance (No PAPI) from this end of the Runway so distance versus altitude checks are constantly monitored by the co-pilot during final approach. A final stabilization gate of 300 feet was also mandated. This was back when there were no published instrument approach procedures for the airport so there were times when this was done in marginal VFR conditions onto a wet runway in pouring rain. Mechanical turbulence from the surrounding terrain and crosswinds from the open sea also contributed to the challenge of putting a 20-Ton airliner onto a slab of concrete 900 meters long and 30 meters wide. A specific touchdown zone was also designated in order to make sure that the aircraft stops with enough margin based on the landing distance available. Any deviation from the strictly observed touchdown zone would result in an automatic and abrupt "go-around" order from the Captain or the First Officer.

Apologies for the poorly mounted camera bouncing around but do enjoy this short video which showcases probably some of the best airline flying seen in the Philippines. This is dedicated to all the Captains from the Philippines, Africa, Europe, South America and all over the world whom we flew with on the ATR fleet.

#Turboproud

свернуть