B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
This was; for me; initially a minor safety observation but which over the last few months and after some consideration I now feel is serious enough that it be brought to the attention of pilots who can make a difference. My FO was the pilot flying on the arrival into MROC. He briefed and flew the 'Cyrus Visual' procedure to Runway 25. This procedure has mandatory crossing altitudes at BELEN and EPABE of 4000 feet (1000 AGL). On downwind we were asked to extend in order to allow time for a departing B757 to backtaxi. First Officer complied by manually flying UP in order to match the quickly rising terrain. At all times he remained high enough to stay safe and avoid any GPWS warnings. Tower called our base and landing was uneventful.
B737 Captain reported being asked by ATC during the CYRUS Visual to Runway 25 at MROC to extend downwind for departing traffic. The crew was at 4000 feet (1000 AGL) per the procedure and had to climb to avoid rising terrain to the east of the field.