On an asymmetric approach, if the runway becomes obstructed after you have passed ACA(H), what is the action you should take?

On an asymmetric approach, if the runway becomes obstructed after you have passed ACA(H), what is the action you should take?

• A. You are committed to land
• B. Continue the approach and circle if possible
• C. Go around and climb away
• D. Hold altitude and request vectors

Answer: (A)

The action hinges on the point of commitment on an asymmetric approach. ACA(H) marks where, if you have the runway in sight and the approach is aligned, you are committed to landing on that runway rather than attempting a safe missed approach from that point. Once you’ve passed ACA(H), the published procedure assumes you will complete the landing, because the missed‑approach path and obstacle clearance have been designed around continuing to land from that altitude and configuration. If the runway becomes obstructed after this point, there isn’t a guaranteed safe alternative path to rejoin a missed approach or to circle in a confined, obstacle‑laden environment, so you should proceed with the landing. Holding altitude and waiting for vectors or attempting a go‑around at this stage could increase risk due to energy, geometry, and obstacle considerations inherent in an asymmetric approach. If you cannot land safely, you would still need to declare an emergency and pursue the safest option within the constraints of the situation, but the expected action per the procedure is to continue toward landing.

The action hinges on the point of commitment on an asymmetric approach. ACA(H) marks where, if you have the runway in sight and the approach is aligned, you are committed to landing on that runway rather than attempting a safe missed approach from that point. Once you’ve passed ACA(H), the published procedure assumes you will complete the landing, because the missed‑approach path and obstacle clearance have been designed around continuing to land from that altitude and configuration. If the runway becomes obstructed after this point, there isn’t a guaranteed safe alternative path to rejoin a missed approach or to circle in a confined, obstacle‑laden environment, so you should proceed with the landing. Holding altitude and waiting for vectors or attempting a go‑around at this stage could increase risk due to energy, geometry, and obstacle considerations inherent in an asymmetric approach. If you cannot land safely, you would still need to declare an emergency and pursue the safest option within the constraints of the situation, but the expected action per the procedure is to continue toward landing.