Special Route Qualification

[Adrian B]

Hi all, A question for any international drivers here, especially Anthony J

I am doing a busines trip to Noumea late May and noticed this Photo by the aforementioned celebrity photographer and occasional Pilot Anthony J. (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=429916&nseq=2). It had a comment

"Remarks: On final approach to Runway 11 at La Tontouta. You can see why Noumea is one of the Qantas destinations that requires a special 'Route Qualification', with significant terrain to the east!"

That said, and the photo explains why, what type of Special route qualification would you need to carry out for a location such as this? Sim time against certain procedures?

[Anthony J]

Hi Adrian,

It used to be a computer based training package that had to be viewed prior to operating to Noumea. Now the information has been moved to one of our manuals that is carried on the aircraft that contains colour photos of the various approaches so the requirement for a Route Qual has been lifted.

Cheers.

[Adrian B]

Thanks AJ, do you fly that route anymore?

[Anthony J]

I haven't been to Noumea for a long time, that photo was the last trip I did there I think!