Medium Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airport; Procedure; Human Factors; Chart Or Publication
There is significant construction going on in AVL that has resulted in the actual taxiways in use not matching those depicted on the current Jeppesen airport diagram. With the low visibility during taxi out in the morning (night conditions; full darkness) to runway 35 it would have been very easy to miss the turn we needed to make off of taxiway A and end up in an area where we could not turn around and had no way out (Can you say 'Golden Towbar Award'?). As soon as we got the jet onto taxiway A after leaving the gate; pointing south; we stopped the aircraft and asked Tower where our next turn was; because I had a hunch if we missed it we would be in a tough spot; and with them not being able to see the jet and our taxi diagram not matching what we were actually seeing that could easily happen. Tower told us to take the next right (more than 90 degree turn) onto taxiway P (not depicted on the diagram); go across the old runway; and hold short at B2 (also not depicted). At the beginning of all of this we were told we could expect takeoff from B2 intersection but we could not accept it because our takeoff performance software could not provide data. We were not surprised that we could not get data given the construction; and doubt I would have accepted it anyway given the low vis and terrain combined with the significant reduction in runway length that would have been the result. So; we back taxied on 35 and departed without incident but we had concerns about other crews having a different outcome; especially with low visibility when they cannot see the construction until it is too late. Causes were low visibility at night; airport construction; taxi diagram significantly different than the actual airport layout; and at an airport with close terrain. I recommend we put some detailed guidance in the AVL Station Bulletin AND put out a must read bulletin that tells crews the Station Bulletin has been updated; and include a good taxi diagram. Give Jeppesen a call and get them to fix their diagram.
The reporter verified that although the airport diagram was incomplete; the airport signage for Taxiways P and B2 did reflect the taxi clearance they received.
Air carrier Captain reported construction at AVL has resulted in the actual taxiways in use not matching those depicted on the current Jeppesen airport diagram.