Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 540
Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Manuals; Chart Or Publication; Company Policy
TUS airport is currently in Phase 3 of a runway construction project. There is a NOTAM and a note on the front page of the weather package to that effect. The NOTAM and note are confusing to say the least. The note states that thresholds are relocated on both ends. The threshold on the approach end Runway 11L is actually pushed back into the overrun. Displaced approach threshold typically means the new threshold is further up the runway than the original threshold. The paint from the original threshold is also visible which added to the confusion. The picture on the 10-8 page shows a displaced threshold in the overrun (gray in color) and the original runway threshold the start of the black. Because of the iPad the 10-8 is also an issue. We don't typically go looking for a 10-8 page. The yellow page of old is gone. Annotate the cover page of the weather package to reference the 10-8 page and also possibly a bulletin to address the issue similar to the OAK construction project.
I was Pilot Monitoring for this leg into Tucson. The winds and weather were favorable. The arrival was normal and uneventful as we were cleared for the visual approach to Runway 11L. We were then cleared to land on '11L shortened.' Both the Captain and I had read the NOTAMS and recalled an adjusted displaced threshold. On short final we had both been scanning the runway for the appropriate markings. I didn't notice any markings that would have represented the temporary displaced threshold; and honestly; briefly questioned exactly where the threshold ended; and runway began. My expectation was that the temporary threshold (to land on 11L shortened) would extend beyond the normal runway threshold. I then saw a faded 11L marking in the normal location and knew we were safe to land. Upon discussion with the Captain at the gate; it was clear he felt similar about the lack of clarity on the exact locations of where the displaced threshold ended and runway began. After the fact and at the gate we looked at the 10-8 page which describes the construction. I wasn't even sure what a 10-8 page was; as my experience hadn't led me to use it before.However; after much discussion we came to the conclusion that even this page isn't perfectly clear. The displaced threshold markings differ from that of other airports; and it isn't clear exactly which portion of the threshold is usable. In fact; on departure out of TUS; the Controllers were allowing similar type aircraft to take off from the full length of the original displaced threshold (not the temporary one) stating 'the first 1000' was rough terrain and borderline unusable.' Why have a temporary threshold and not use it; especially if the terrain is 'borderline unusable?' Ultimately; the construction and the details regarding the displaced threshold; and where the usable runway begins aren't clear and can hopefully be addressed before the lack of clarity leads to any further incident.
Air carrier flight crew reported their company's information given to them concerning the construction on Runway 11L at TUS is confusing. They recommend that the cover page to the weather packet include a reference to the 10-8 page to highlight the construction project.