MD-82
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human-Machine Interface; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Chart Or Publication; ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Human Factors; Procedure
This approach now brings aircraft too high to land on glidepath from MDA. I know it has a steeper glidepath; that is not the problem. The problem is that the glidepath puts aircraft too high at MDA to make a normal landing. The PAPI is all white. I was able to land only because I broke out 500-600 FT above MDA. The week before; the ceiling was close to MDA and aircraft had to go-around. Please have FAA flight check technicians call me; as the prior reports do not seem to be understood by company and union representatives.
When asked if it was possibly an incorrect glidepath angle could have been entered when the approach was programmed into the FMS the reporter advised that the 'charted' glidepath angle is programmed automatically by the FMS when the approach is line selected by the flight crew. The crew is restricted from altering any database programming inside of the FAF.The reporter advised he had spoken with his First Officer who has flown the approach again subsequent to the report event who advised that their approach; in IMC to the actual MDA; had worked out perfectly; stabilized from MDA to touchdown in the touchdown zone. The reporter was aware there had been discussion of the subject between his union and airline's safety people and the airport/FAA and adjustments had been made. He was unaware of the exact nature of the changes; but the report from the First Officer has ameliorated his concerns.
An MD-82 Captain reported that when flying the RNAV Runway 27 approach to SAN the charted glidepath (3.5 degrees) inside the FAF failed to place the aircraft vertically at a point from which a stabilized approach and touchdown could be accomplished. Per a later conversation with the First Officer of that flight the reporter learned the problem appears to have been resolved via discussions and subsequent actions between government; airline and pilot union representatives.