Lugano very steep approach - Saab 2000

Video from the channel Just Planes about Saab 2000, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 4:03. Language: English. Video type: Onboard.

From the cockpit of a Crossair Saab 2000, the captain explains and flies the approach into Lugano on a flight from Basel. The aircraft arrives from the north, overflies the airport toward the southwest and flies a circuit back to the runway.

The glide path exceeds 6°, more than double the 3° of a normal approach. That is why, on leaving 5,000 feet, the aircraft must already be configured and at its approach speed. Because of the surrounding mountains, a missed approach must be initiated a mile and a half before the airport, followed by a tight turn.

The pilot adds that operating into Lugano requires a special briefing and a special rating. The clip comes from a DVD about the Crossair fleet.