DCA & IOE

baronman · 02-14-2005, 08:20 PM

Can pilots on IOE go into DCA? I heard there were some issues regarding it.

SF3Flyer · 02-14-2005, 08:29 PM

IOE is probably the best time (if there is such a thing) to go into DCA. You will quickly learn that DCA sucks. Potomac approach has some of the worst controllers I've ever dealt with (haven't been to CLE yet).

02-14-2005, 11:38 PM

What are some of the things you have to deal with when using the controllers into DCA?
Skins

SF3Flyer · 02-15-2005, 12:38 AM

I used to take props in there. The would leave you high and turn you on a 3 mile final for 15 and then tell you that the Airbus abeam you lands ahead on 19. They just don't know how to sequence airplanes. They try to run them too tight and get trapped. Plus you're doing all of this yanking and banking to avoid P-56. Things are just too tight there. I just plain don't like DCA.

Jetlinker · 02-15-2005, 01:01 AM

Yeah, I flew into DCA in the Citation with my previous gig back before they closed it to GA. The place was a madhouse. I wasn't all that disappointed that we couldn't go back after 9/11 honestly.

02-15-2005, 05:47 AM

But, afterall isn't DCA quite a unique airport?!

02-16-2005, 11:23 AM

I don't know why everyone complains about DCA. Sure, there are challenges, but if you follow the published procedures then things should work out fine.

Also, remember there are only three runways we can use in DCA. They are 1, 19, and I believe 15 (whichever the ones are that are listed in the ATOGS book on the aircraft). I can't remember if 15 is the correct one or not or if it is 22. Also, tower will try to get you to circle to 33 on occasion if RWY 1 is in use. THIS IS NOT AUTHORIZED BY EXPRESSJET AIRLINES so do not accept the circle to 33. There was an FIL or TIL out about this sometime early last year after FOQA data showed unstabilized approaches on these last minute circles.

Smoe · 02-16-2005, 06:16 PM

I just went into DCA this week and my CA said OE FOs aren't allowed in there due to the initial callup to Potomac Approach. This initial callup is very specific and involves a password. Screw it up once, you get a second chance; screw it up the second time and you get vectors to IAD to chat with the Secret Service...

Paul Berman · 02-16-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoe

. . . OE FOs aren't allowed in there due to the initial callup to Potomac Approach. This initial callup is very specific and involves a password. ...

I don't believe this is true. I did OE with new hires into DCA in September.

02-16-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoe

I just went into DCA this week and my CA said OE FOs aren't allowed in there due to the initial callup to Potomac Approach. This initial callup is very specific and involves a password. Screw it up once, you get a second chance; screw it up the second time and you get vectors to IAD to chat with the Secret Service...

Wow......that sure would be exciting.