Aviation Specials – May 2018

correct speed although care needs to be

taken not to over-control. We increase

the target approach and landing speeds

in gusty conditions, which helps. The

turbulence can make the final approach

challenging, but a good touchdown

extremely rewarding.

If we are inbound to Runway 05, we

leave FUN at 1,750ft. As we get to a point

3.6nm (6.6km) out over the sea abeam

the northeastern threshold, we must

decide whether to continue or break off

the approach. Our absolute minima is

900ft, but 1,140ft is recommended as this

enables us to see the curved approach

path and the runway more clearly.

If we are visual at that point, we continue

to 6nm (11.1km) from FUN almost parallel

to the southern shoreline, giving the

passengers sitting on the right side a

beautiful view. We then turn right and

head towards position known as GELO on

the coastline, which we aim to cross at

850ft. From there the approach features

a further right turn onto short final, with

flashing lead-in strobes guiding us toward

the threshold and keeping us away from

terrain on the left side.

Although it might appear a little dramatic

to people on the ground, and even to some

of our passengers, the turn onto final isn’t

any different from those we perform during

a circle to land as part of a non-precision

approach at other airports. It’s a normal

procedure, but we are heading towards

high terrain for part of it and at any point

our flight path can be affected by wind and

turbulence.

The first issue to consider is the

anemometer at Rosario. We have to cross

Rosario at 460ft, which is where we get

our first full view of the runway. The PAPI

lighting system helps us ensure we are

on the correct vertical path. Valleys run

down to the sea in the area, past the

small city of Santa Cruz near the runway

threshold and, again, we can encounter

updrafts on short final.

The official aeronatical information

includes the following advice: “Do not

Moderate or

strong southeast

wind can give rise

to a vortex

bubble at the

runway threshold

causing sudden

un-commanded

roll / speed loss /

altitude loss.

FUNCHAL

Extreme Airports // 31

ABOVE: Jet2.com

Boeing 737-8MG

G-JZHL gets

airborne for a

flight to the United

Kingdom.

ABOVE RIGHT:

Leisure airline

Jet2.com has

an extensive

programme of

flights to Madeira

from nine UK

airports.

BELOW: The view

from the flightdeck

during a night-

time approach

to Runway 05.

(AirTeamImages.

com / Rui Alves)

28-33_Funchal.indd 31 11/05/2018 12:59