Re non-precision approaches, my contention is much simpler than Andreas Jacobs imagines (Letters, Flight International, 4-10 June).
Statistically, non-precision approaches are high on the list of approach related accidents, regardless of "situational awareness", poor communication, weather etc.
Routine approaches are not intended to tax the expertise of flightcrews, but non-precision approaches, when conducted in rain or reduced visibility, often do.
Airport authorities which provide an instrument landing system on one approach are content to provide a non-precision approach on the same but reciprocal runway.
Operation of large and very large aircraft requires a reassessment of this logic.
Capt Prakash Goday
Singapore
Source: Flight International
