Consult the Hong Kong AIP and other appropriate aeronautical publications for accurate and up to date information. This page only provides background material and reflects the personal opinion and experience of the author.
Key Factors
- Most runway 25 approaches are from left base.
- Significant terrain below and to the North of the approach.
- Minimum approach intercept altitude of 4,300 Ft because of terrain.
- A tail wind on approach is normal.
Normal in trail spacing between arrivals
- Runway 25R 5 nm (normal)
- Runway 25R 6 nm (poor weather)
- Runway 25L 8 nm.
- Between runway 25L and runway 25R 3 nm.
Spacing for runway 25L allows a departure between arrivals.
Spacing for runway 25R provides enhanced separation between a missed approach from runway 25R and a departure from runway 25L in poor weather.
Discussion
In many ways simpler than runway 07 operations, however the long final and wind effects mean that sequence spacing accuracy is more difficult than for runway 07.
The long final (15 nm) for runway 25L/R, often with a tail wind, means that a 7 nm to 8 nm spacing at 20 nm will erode to 5 to 6 nm by the threshold.
Arrivals from SIERA may be short tracked on a long downwind for expedition.
Arrivals from the East are often given direct RIVER or LOTUS for expedition and sequencing.
Expeditious tracks also have the benefit of reducing the number of potential conflicts over TD.
Arriving via MELON - TD
Expect FL130 by MELON. Further descent depends on separation requirements and distance to touchdown.
Track shortening (-5 nm) by tracking direct RIVER or LOTUS from MELON. Speed control (+ or - ) often used to position aircraft relative to those arriving via MANGO.
Vectors between 260 to 200 may be used to aircraft position in trail with MANGO arrivals. Alternatives are a base leg parallel with a MANGO arrival or a downwind leg from TD.
A right hand downwind is possible however this needs careful handing to avoid aircraft on opposing base legs at the same level. It is often appropriate for arrivals from ZGSZ but from other directions it requires a transit above the approach and is not normally used.
Aircraft must join final inside 30 nm to remain inside VHHH airspace. The Daya Bay restricted area is about 35 nm East of VHHH and ZGGG or ZGJD never approve entry.
Arrival via MANGO - TD
Expect FL130 by MANGO. Further descent depends on separation requirements and distance to touchdown.
Slow climbing runway 25 departures may affect the descent point for MANGO arrivals.
This track is an extended base leg so the expedition option is to maintain a higher speed for longer.
Sequencing is normally accomplished by speed control or a right turn to trail a MELON arrival. The right turn may be a downwind leg from TD.
Arrival via SIERA - TD
Controller techniques vary:
- some will keep you at FL170 or above until after you've passed over the departures
- others will step you down over the departures issuing intermediate levels.
It really depends on the other traffic that is around. You'll cross the Hong Kong and Macau departure tracks on your way to TD. You may then be cut-in before TD, fly close to the published procedure, or extend downwind depending on your position in traffic.