Bogota, Colombia

[Duderino]

I noticed you guys do a great job knowing the local procedures in places out of the way. For instance, American asked for a high speed descent going into Caracas on several occasions, never even heard of one of those(more than 250 below 10000?). I am going to Bogota and beside from being nervous about staying there over the weekend, I am trying to find out some of the local flight procedures and what to expect when coming into the approach area from Miami. I understand the airport is a CAT II, and I know there is some terrain, but I am just trying to put it all together. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I will be arriving tommorrow after 6 legs and into the 8th hour of the day.

 

[jacko123]

Can I go? Please!!! I heard you will be fine if you stay in the northern part of the city. If you wont let me go, will you please bring me back some girls!?!?!?!

 

[Duderino]

Jacko you can't come. You have to be in court soon, and besides who would feed all of the little boys on the Neverland Ranch, . Sorry I couldn't resist. I am looking forward to the women, but I am already in Caracas so I can't complain.

 

[767200]

I noticed you guys do a great job knowing the local procedures in places out of the way. For instance, American asked for a high speed descent going into Caracas on several occasions, never even heard of one of those(more than 250 below 10000?). I am going to Bogota and beside from being nervous about staying there over the weekend, I am trying to find out some of the local flight procedures and what to expect when coming into the approach area from Miami. I understand the airport is a CAT II, and I know there is some terrain, but I am just trying to put it all together. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I will be arriving tommorrow after 6 legs and into the 8th hour of the day.

EL Dorado Airport is actually a pretty good airport. Cross the BOG VOR to begin the approach at 12,500 an join the 13L or R LOC. 12,000ft+ runways. Just follow the STAR and do not deviate unless you're high, very high on the arrival. On departure depending on your performance you will need to turn right or left at the MM or 400ft and no to exceed 185 IAS for high terrain (taking off on the 13s)
As far as your stay just watch out, but is not all that bad. Don't go out at night and stay out of trouble, been there many times and no problems.

 

[kevdog]

Just flew in from there today. Departure isn't too bad, just watch out for those bumpy things all around the airport. If you lose an engine on takeoff, you have to do a climbing hold from NDB to NDB over the airport until you can make it to the VOR. We always take off heavy out of there and the plane doesn't climb so hot until it is cleaned up.Enjoying Caracas? Did you go up to all those restaurants up on the mountain? Just make sure you turn to the water and not towards the mountain on takeoff / missed.

 

[Purple Haze]

...local flight procedures and what to expect when coming into the approach area from Miami.

See Bogota speed restrictions on your Jepp 10-1. Also on the 10-1, notice the holding pattern at UTICA. When they get busy they like to throw that at you at the last minute--be prepared. A much more detailed diagram of UTICA holding is on the 11-2 (NDB ILS DME Rwy 13L). We planned on the DELTA 5 Arrival, but they cleared us Buvis, UTICA, DELTA, BOG, November Circle to 31R.

ATIS is tough to hear. Just ask Approach for the weather and save the hassle.

The one thing you can count on is unpredictability. They like to micromanage your descent and your airspeed. Some of the approaches have 3 NDBs. Be prepared for any approach to any runway and expect last minute changes. Every time I go it is something different and unexpected -- always hectic getting in.

Departing isn't as bad -- you will probably fly a published departure. They often give a conditional clearance: "Behind landing aircraft line up and wait."

If you think of any specific questions, write back & I'll take a swing. Have fun.

 

[satpak77]

also

expect landing clearance when you cross the fence

common on 13-R

they will have a guy roll for takeoff while you on 2 mile final

this is "normal Bogota" and again, plan on landing clearance on short final