I was looking at some approach plates and I remember seeing this a while ago. Check out this VOR approach into Kilimanjaro International Airport.
This is one of those approaches that can kill you if you are not paying attention. See the note regarding the minimum crossing altitude at the "KV" Flight Level 220 is a pretty high altitude when it comes to instrument approach procedures. If descent to 9,500 was made a bit early, you might become "one" with the 14,979 foot mountain nearby. An arrival from europe will take you over the mountain. Take note of the MSA diagram in the upper right hand corner of the chart.
Once you cross Kilimanjaro VOR at 22,000 feet, you have only 26.4 miles to be established at 9,500 feet and slowed to 185 knots. For most jets, the speed during descent at 22,000 would be 250 to 300 knots indicated. The true airspeed would be a bit higher. This gives you about 5 minutes to descend 12,500 feet and reduce your speed by over a hundred knots. The terrain clearance between the Kilimanjaro NDB and the final approach course is based on an indicated airspeed of no more than 185 knots. Remember, turn radius varies with the square of the speed. Making this turn at 250 knots results in a turn radius that is about 4 times what it would be at the required 185 knot speed. This would put you too far north for your own good.
Add fatigue to the mix and mistakes become more likely. This place is between six and a half and eight hours from southern Europe, so chances are you have been had a long day before you even attempt this approach. In situations like this, it is preparation and good communication with your fellow crewmembers that will prevent disaster. The departure procedures for this airport have an equal potential to hurt you if you do not understand where the mountains are. Think before you act and you will be more likely to survive.
This is one of those approaches that can kill you if you are not paying attention. See the note regarding the minimum crossing altitude at the "KV" Flight Level 220 is a pretty high altitude when it comes to instrument approach procedures. If descent to 9,500 was made a bit early, you might become "one" with the 14,979 foot mountain nearby. An arrival from europe will take you over the mountain. Take note of the MSA diagram in the upper right hand corner of the chart.
Once you cross Kilimanjaro VOR at 22,000 feet, you have only 26.4 miles to be established at 9,500 feet and slowed to 185 knots. For most jets, the speed during descent at 22,000 would be 250 to 300 knots indicated. The true airspeed would be a bit higher. This gives you about 5 minutes to descend 12,500 feet and reduce your speed by over a hundred knots. The terrain clearance between the Kilimanjaro NDB and the final approach course is based on an indicated airspeed of no more than 185 knots. Remember, turn radius varies with the square of the speed. Making this turn at 250 knots results in a turn radius that is about 4 times what it would be at the required 185 knot speed. This would put you too far north for your own good.
Add fatigue to the mix and mistakes become more likely. This place is between six and a half and eight hours from southern Europe, so chances are you have been had a long day before you even attempt this approach. In situations like this, it is preparation and good communication with your fellow crewmembers that will prevent disaster. The departure procedures for this airport have an equal potential to hurt you if you do not understand where the mountains are. Think before you act and you will be more likely to survive.
