Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 9000
Situational Awareness; Workload; Confusion; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure; Airport; Airspace Structure
Arriving in the local Las Vegas area; we were assigned a visual approach to Runway 19L; in night conditions. While this is a normal approach for this airport; more frequently we arrive using Runway 25L. About 25 miles from the airport; while being vectored westbound; we were given a descent to 5;200 FT. (Assigned to 5;200 FT.) Knowing there was terrain in the area; the EGPWS/Terrain was closely monitored; and at that time showed terrain at 4;100 FT. Approach asked if the airport was in sight. We soon began a visual approach; including the initial descent from 5;200 FT.  While monitoring terrain ahead in night flying conditions; as we passed over what was believed to be a safe altitude; we received a terrain warning; for what seemed to be quick; lasting only seconds. Though it was night; the peak that we passed over is marked with red obstacle lights; and was able to be seen. It seems our rate of descent should have been delayed for more significant clearance above terrain.ATC should consider delaying offering visual clearances at night; until terrain is clearly not at risk. Flight Manual Part II for this airport only point out terrain warnings for night approaches for Runway 01. Cautions for other runways should be included. Pilots should be more frequently reminded in training about approaches in terrain; night flying; and VFR separation from clouds. This report was submitted in hopes that other aircrews in this situation are better protected from terrain at night; in visual conditions. It is often very difficult to identify terrain in darkness.
A B757 First Officer was uncomfortable on the LAS Runway 19L night visual approach while at 5;200 FT because even with terrain and the airport were insight; the EGPWS momentarily activated.