MD-88/90
FLEET 16-05
September 6, 2016
BULLETIN 1 of 3
Subject: Visual Approach Guide
Background
FOQA and ASAP data indicate a need to mitigate inadequate visual approach
planning. Crew errors during visual approaches include loss of terrain, obstacle
and airspace awareness, early descents when cleared the visual approach, and
violations of stabilized approach criteria without conducting a mandatory
go-around. Publication of the Visual Approach Guide formalizes procedures
and considerations to enable a successful approach.
Like all approach guides in the NOI section of Volume 1, reference to the
Visual Approach Guide during the approach brief is not mandatory, but
compliance with the published guidelines is necessary to execute a satisfactory
visual approach. The guide is published below and is effective immediately
upon receipt of this Fleet Bulletin.
Visual Approach
Approach Guide
Company Pages ............................................................................ Review
Underlying approach procedure (if available) .............. Select and verify
Use of an underlying approach is required, if available.
Note: If available, the ILS glideslope will be used between the final
approach fix and published DH. Use normal flight path
management to remain at or above the glideslope.
Note: If available, stay at or above the VASI/PAPI until a lower
altitude is necessary for a safe landing.
Flight and nav instruments (if applicable) .......................................... Set
Minimums .......................................................................................... Set
• Set underlying approach minima.
• If no instrument approach is available, any number may be set to aid
in the approach. Both the captain's and first officer's reference bugs
should agree.
MD-88/90 Fleet Bulletin
MD-88/90 September 6, 2016
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Vertical guidance ..............................................................................Brief
• Calculate 3:1 descent path in absence of internal or external vertical
guidance.
• For night approaches, use instrument approach vertical guidance,
when available.
WARNING: Descent below a 3:1 path to the runway may result
in an ATC-issued LOW ALTITUDE ALERT.
Terrain/Obstacle Awareness .............................................................Brief
• If operable, at least one pilot should have GPWS terrain mode
displayed.
• Brief MSA relative to airport field elevation to aid in approach,
configuration, and go-around planning.
WARNING: When cleared for a visual approach, do not begin
descent until terrain/obstacle clearance is assured.
Use of automation ............................................................................Brief
MCP Altitude ...................................................................................... Set
• Set MCP altitude in accordance with the underlying approach
procedure, or 1,500 feet AFE if not using an underlying approach.
Applicable descent/approach modes .............................................. Select
• Plan approach to join final beyond 5NM from the runway threshold.
• For a nighttime approach, unless authorized by Company Pages,
maintain MSA/MVA or last assigned altitude until established on a
segment of the underlying approach, then comply with approach
altitude restrictions.
• In absence of an underlying approach, terrain clearance must be
visually assured.
• Do not descend below 1,500 feet AFE until established on a 3:1
descent path.
If a go-around is required, until receipt of controller instructions, climb
straight ahead, or as terrain dictates, to the standard pattern altitude of 1,500
feet.
Summary
During the next revision, a new Visual Approach Guide will be added to the
Normal Ops Info Section of Volume 1.
MD-88/90 Fleet Bulletin
MD-88/90 September 6, 2016
FB 16-05 3 of 3
Approved by:
Jeff Handel Jim Hamilton Wendy Davison
MD-88/90 MD-88/90 MD-88/90
Fleet Captain Chief Line Check Pilot Technical Manager
MD-88/90 Fleet Bulletin
