Cool AA 757 Landing Video

[777 fixer]

< http://www.break.com/index/insane-landing-in-honduras.html >

 

[BuffaloJoe]

< http://www.break.com/index/insane-landing-in-honduras.html >

Is that a regular route? WOW. Runway doesn't look to long either.

 

[local 12 proud]

Talk about Pucker factor. 😱

 

[SkydrolJunkie]

More on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3fNcBIo8p4

 

[AMFAMAN]

Is that a regular route? WOW. Runway doesn't look to long either.

That is the regular route, done that once on a field trip. The only thing crazier then the approach is the mountain you need to clear on takeoff out of their. We got to test out a gearbox change clearing that mountain. Test OK.

 

[AirLUVer]

First Officers are not allowed to perform landings on this route. Captains must do observation flight, and then perform two landings with a Check Airman. CA's must also fly the route ~30/90 days to maintain their qualification.

 

[Fang]

AirLUVer,

Why are first officers not allowed to make this landing?

I am just a passenger, but I assumed, that the FO, was just as qualified as Captains. Perhaps with less flying time.

This video does make me appreciate all of the fantastic pilots at AA.

 

[ILS2MINIMUMS]

Why are first officers not allowed to make this landing?

Due to the topography (mountains that extend above approach altitude surround the approach end of the runway) and the way the airport is situated vis-a-vis the approach to runway 02, it's best to have the person sitting in the left seat fly the airplane because they can keep the airport and the terrain in sight during the approach. Plus TGU is a serious-business, high-altitude airport with rising terrain and a short runway. Mistakes, even small ones, can have fatal results. You want your most experienced pilot flying that approach. Since we fly based on the seniority system, the Captain is generally the more experienced of the two pilots.

Just a couple of minor corrections to the previous post. The Captain must initially qualify into TGU by accomplishing at least one takeoff and landing with a Check Airman sitting in the right seat. Preferrably with an approach to runway 02. There is no requirement for an observation flight for Captains. F/O's however must observe one takeoff and landing in TGU from the jumpseat. Also, with regard to currency for the airport; Captains must have flown into TGU at least once in the previous 180 days.

This video does make me appreciate all of the fantastic pilots at AA.

Thank you. 🙂

 

[BuffaloJoe]

Due to the topography (mountains that extend above approach altitude surround the approach end of the runway) and the way the airport is situated vis-a-vis the approach to runway 02, it's best to have the person sitting in the left seat fly the airplane because they can keep the airport and the terrain in sight during the approach. Plus TGU is a serious-business, high-altitude airport with rising terrain and a short runway. Mistakes, even small ones, can have fatal results. You want your most experienced pilot flying that approach. Since we fly based on the seniority system, the Captain is generally the more experienced of the two pilots.

Just a couple of minor corrections to the previous post. The Captain must initially qualify into TGU by accomplishing at least one takeoff and landing with a Check Airman sitting in the right seat. Preferrably with an approach to runway 02. There is no requirement for an observation flight for Captains. F/O's however must observe one takeoff and landing in TGU from the jumpseat. Also, with regard to currency for the airport; Captains must have flown into TGU at least once in the previous 180 days.
Thank you. 🙂

Is that the normal approach into TGU, or do they come in from the other direction?

What about DCA landings, can a FO land coming in from the North?

 

[ILS2MINIMUMS]

Is that the normal approach into TGU, or do they come in from the other direction?

What about DCA landings, can a FO land coming in from the North?

Yes, that's the normal approach to runway 02 in TGU. Runway 20 is also used when needed due to a shift in the wind. It's also the only airport in the entire American Airlines systems with the "Captain Only" landing restriction. Another note regarding TGU; there is no Takeoff restriction for F/O's, only landings. IMHO there are other approaches in our system that are equally as challenging as the TGU 02 approach from a skills standpoint. But when combined with the terrain, altitude, short runway, prevailing winds, and Central American ATC, you can see why the restrictions and special qualifications were instituted.

 

[aafsc]

Does TGU have an instrument approach procedure for landing in IMC or do landings have to be done in adequate VFR conditions?

 

[AirLUVer]

Yes, that's the normal approach to runway 02 in TGU. Runway 20 is also used when needed due to a shift in the wind. It's also the only airport in the entire American Airlines systems with the "Captain Only" landing restriction. Another note regarding TGU; there is no Takeoff restriction for F/O's, only landings. IMHO there are other approaches in our system that are equally as challenging as the TGU 02 approach from a skills standpoint. But when combined with the terrain, altitude, short runway, prevailing winds, and Central American ATC, you can see why the restrictions and special qualifications were instituted.

I don't have my part 1, but I believe that the CA has to have 2 landings with a Check Airman and the qual has a 90 day limit to remain current. If a Captain does not have a landing at least once every 90 days, they have to be checked out again.

 

[BuffaloJoe]

Yes, that's the normal approach to runway 02 in TGU. Runway 20 is also used when needed due to a shift in the wind. It's also the only airport in the entire American Airlines systems with the "Captain Only" landing restriction. Another note regarding TGU; there is no Takeoff restriction for F/O's, only landings. IMHO there are other approaches in our system that are equally as challenging as the TGU 02 approach from a skills standpoint. But when combined with the terrain, altitude, short runway, prevailing winds, and Central American ATC, you can see why the restrictions and special qualifications were instituted.

I am going back about 30 years or so, SAN before they lengthened their runway, planes would have to come down just above the rooftops. They still do but they are not as low as once. I guess that would be the USA equivilent to a close buzz landing.

Also, is TGU fenced in? I couldn't make it out in the video.

 

[ILS2MINIMUMS]

I don't have my part 1, but I believe that the CA has to have 2 landings with a Check Airman and the qual has a 90 day limit to remain current. If a Captain does not have a landing at least once every 90 days, they have to be checked out again.

The qualifications and currency I quoted above come directly from Part I, section 3, pages 20-21.

 

[AirLUVer]

The qualifications and currency I quoted above come directly from Part I, section 3, pages 20-21.

As I prefaced my statement, I didn't have a part 1 in front of me. AA has gotten a lot more lenient on special airports. I know at one point that there was an observation flight as well as two landings with a CKA to qualify someone on TGU.

It looks as they also extended the 90 day provision to a 180 day provision, for maintaining qualification.