Lukla Airport: Difference between revisions

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== Introduction ==
Built my Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing/Hillary Airport) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.
Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT).  Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters. 


== Approach Procedure ==
== Approach Procedure ==
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If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time.  Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.
If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time.  Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.
== Departure Procedure ==
Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130.  Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Overhead the Khatmandu VOR, turn north and descend for landing. Khatmandu Airport is in 5 miles.


== Complexity ==
== Complexity ==
The landing. A descending turn onto a short short final, and a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.
On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final.  There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.
 
Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.


== FlightGear Scenery ==
== FlightGear Scenery ==

Revision as of 11:35, 13 June 2009

Lukla Airport
Image requested
IATA: LUA ICAO: VNLK
Type public
City Lukla, Nepal
Runways
Runway Length Material
06/24 527 m Asphalt

Introduction

Built my Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960's, Lukla Airport (recently renamed in honour of Tenzing/Hillary Airport) provides a starting point high in the Himalayas for people attempting to climb Everest.

Lukla is only a short hop from Khatmandu (VNKT). Due to the altitude, terrain and physics of the strip, Lukla is only serviced by helicopters and Twin Otters.

Approach Procedure

"...From (Khatmandu) VNKT climb to at least 13000 ft while following VOR 112.30 outbound on track 096° for about 70 nm. Now turn on terrain mode (TERR) on your GPS navigator and carefully locate the low elevation valley running north and south with VNLK on its path. Follow the valley to the north while descending to just above the airport elevation at 9100 ft. When you have the airport in sight on your right side line up with the 2500 ft asphalt runway at 60° and land... " Courtesy of forum.aerosoft.com.

If GPS isn't your preferred method, it is just as easy to fly the 096° radial from Kathmandu, then turn North onto the 010° radial of Lamidada NDB 236 as you intersect it. This heading takes you straight into the valley to Lukla. Most aircraft will allow both these to be dialled in on seperate displays at the same time. Make sure your descent from FL130 is without delay, there isn't much time before the airport appears ahead on your right. Full flaps are a must.

Departure Procedure

Depart the airfield to the South, climb toward FL130. Using Khatmandu VOR 112.3, turn west onto the 096° radial as you intersect it. Clear of the mountains, descend 7000ft. Overhead the Khatmandu VOR, turn north and descend for landing. Khatmandu Airport is in 5 miles.

Complexity

On approach, the landing happens from a descending turn onto a short final. There is a visual perception that can place the plane too low without any time to correct. Terrain makes the go-around very difficult.

Departure is easier. Add an extra level of flaps to give some extra lift on take off.

FlightGear Scenery

The required scenery for VNLK is e080n20.tgz. This tile includes Kathmandu.

External links