B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 210; Flight Crew Total 19000; Flight Crew Type 14000
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Procedure; Airspace Structure
On arrival to LAS via the GRNPA ONE STAR we were told to expect the visual approach to Runway 19R. We had already selected the RNAV 19R from the FMC database; and briefed the approach from paper charts in the ship sets. As a side note; selecting the RNAV approach was done because the RNAV GPS approaches to 19R and 19L infringe on Nellis airspace per previous operations bulletin. Upon transfer to the second Approach Control frequency; we were cleared to fly from TRROP to LEMNZ; to cross LEMNZ at or above 3;500 FT and cleared for the visual approach to [Runway] 19R. I questioned the Controller asking for the RNAV 19R; an approach previous aircraft were being cleared for. He advised we; my air carrier; were not authorized for it. Subsequently we accepted the previously issued clearance and began our approach. LEMNZ is 2.6 NM from Runway 19R. By crossing it at 3;500 FT; you are 1;400 FT AGL. We immediately recognized this threat and through appropriate energy management were able to complete the approach. This clearance is dangerous; and will set up crews every time for an unstable approach.
An air carrier crew on approach to LAS Runway 19R was cleared to cross LEMNZ Intersection at or above 3;500 FT but consider 1;400 FT AGL at 2.6 NM from the airport an unstabilized approach setup.