Video of approaches into now closed Kai Tak in Hong Kong, set to music. Used to fly this approach in the 747 and it was always a rush. Luckily, I never got sideways.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PCOcyt7BPI

What kind of wind velocties are these guys experiencing? Why not come in from the opposite end? Can the hillside be cleared on a go around?

If I remember correctly, there was a huge, billboard-sized marker or sign on the top of the mountain that, to my simple mind, indicated that it you flew into it, you'd missed your turn.... and were shortly going to become a permanent resident of China?

I guess the last time I flew into the airport was in 1971?

You are right for the checker board. I don't know for the pilots but for me, it was always a real pleasure when arriving above the bay. Unique.

I gotta stop clicking on youtube links. Poof, another 45 minutes gone...

Here is a neat video of Kai Tak about 50 years ago. Look at the development, ot lack of it rather.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTfD2pztbK0&feature=related

Mark, That was neat!

I never made it to Kai Tak. Thanks for the links guys.

In AR way down the bottom in "members videos" there is a bigger shot of the Cathay 747 trying to crash. About page 2 titled "worlds worst pilot", and somewhere there maybe the big checker-board sign on the cliffs that means,"GO BACK".

IIRC, the checker board meant turn coming up. You could see the end of the runway in plenty of time on right base. All you had to do was judge your turn properly. Lots of guys had problems with that, hence the overshoots. Back to the basics...just stay ahead of the airplane.

quote:

Originally posted by Mississippian:
What kind of wind velocties are these guys experiencing? Why not come in from the opposite end? Can the hillside be cleared on a go around?

The wind varied with the weather, of course, but it was usually pretty much down the runway when I went in there. Don't recall if there was an approved approach from the other end. Last time I went in there was 1997.

You could look out the side window on final and see people in the hotels looking back at you.