Applying for overflight and landing permits in Honduras is essential for all types of private or commercial flights. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is closed on weekends, so you must submit permit applications for weekend flights on weekdays. The CAA generally takes up to 48 hours to respond. You should use American Flight Support for your applications, as we are registered with the HCAA and can manage fee payments on your behalf. The most commonly used airports for landing are Toncontín International (TGU/MMTG) and Ramón Villeda Morales International (SAP/MHPR).
A flight brief for MHTG (Toncontín International Airport) typically includes a comprehensive set of details relevant to the airport, surrounding airspace, and procedures for operating at that location. Here’s what you would likely include in such a brief:
1. General Information
- Airport Code: MHTG (ICAO: MHTG, IATA: TGU)
- Location: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
- Time Zone: UTC−6
- Airport Elevation: 3,297 feet (1,005 meters) above sea level.
- Runway:
- Main Runway: 02/20
- Runway Length: 6,112 feet (1,863 meters)
- Runway Surface: Asphalt
2. Runway and Approach
- Approach Challenges: Toncontín is known for its challenging approach due to the surrounding mountainous terrain, short runway, and sharp turns required during approach.
- Runway Usage: Runway 02 is commonly used for arrivals, while Runway 20 is preferred for departures.
- Visual and Instrument Approach Procedures:
- Visual approaches are often challenging due to topography.
- The VOR/DME RWY 02 approach is one of the most commonly used, with the aircraft requiring a steep descent followed by a sharp right-hand turn close to the runway.
- ILS is unavailable; GPS-based approaches are used for RNAV-equipped aircraft.
- Missed Approach Procedure: Pilots should be aware of the terrain and have a thorough understanding of the published missed approach procedures due to the high risk posed by the surrounding mountains.
3. Weather Considerations
- Prevailing Winds: Winds can shift due to the valley location of the airport, affecting both landing and takeoff.
- Meteorological Challenges: Frequent low clouds, reduced visibility, and winds from surrounding mountains may present challenges during landing.
- Fog: Early morning operations might experience delays due to fog, especially in the rainy season (May-October).
4. Terrain and Obstacles
- High Terrain: There is significant terrain in the vicinity, especially north and south of the airport, with mountains rising steeply. Pilots need to be cautious of nearby high terrain during departure and arrival.
- Nearby City: Tegucigalpa, the capital city, is in close proximity, so pilots may need to consider urban noise restrictions and flight paths that avoid heavily populated areas.
5. Communications
- Tower Frequency: 118.1 MHz
- Ground Frequency: 121.7 MHz
- Approach Frequency: 123.9 MHz
- ATIS: Provides weather and operational information (typically on 127.3 MHz).
- Emergency Services: Available 24/7, though response times may be affected by airport layout and nearby terrain.
6. Airport Operations
- Operational Hours: Varies. Pilots should verify NOTAMs for any temporary closures.
- Fuel Availability: Jet A1 fuel is available.
- Customs: MHTG provides customs services but ensure coordination before arrival.
- Alternate Airports: Consider MHLM (San Pedro Sula) as a viable alternate airport if Toncontín is closed or the approach is deemed unsafe.
7. Performance Considerations
- Aircraft Performance: Due to the airport’s high elevation, aircraft performance (especially for takeoff) can be affected. Ensure proper calculation of takeoff and landing distances, considering weight and weather conditions.
- Landing Distance: The relatively short runway and steep descent angle necessitate precise aircraft control during landing.
8. NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)
- Always check relevant NOTAMs for updates on runway conditions, any changes in procedures, or temporary restrictions.
9. Safety Considerations
- Pilot Experience: Due to the difficulty of the approach, only experienced pilots familiar with the airport should attempt landing at MHTG.
- Flight Simulator Practice: Many airlines recommend or require simulator practice before attempting this approach.
This brief would give a pilot the necessary operational awareness and the critical information required to operate into and out of Toncontín International Airport safely.
A flight brief for MHPR (Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport) in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, would include relevant operational information similar to the following:
1. General Information
- Airport Code: MHPR (ICAO: MHPR, IATA: SAP)
- Location: San Pedro Sula, Honduras
- Time Zone: UTC−6
- Airport Elevation: 91 feet (28 meters) above sea level
- Runway:
- Main Runway: 04/22
- Runway Length: 9,012 feet (2,747 meters)
- Runway Surface: Asphalt
2. Runway and Approach
- Approach Characteristics: MHPR’s approach is less challenging compared to other airports like Toncontín (MHTG), as it is located in flat terrain without significant nearby obstacles or mountainous terrain.
- Runway Usage: Both Runway 04 and Runway 22 are commonly used depending on prevailing wind conditions.
- Instrument Approaches: The airport is equipped with:
- ILS (Instrument Landing System) for RWY 04, which is typically used in low visibility conditions.
- RNAV and VOR/DME procedures are also available for both runways.
- Missed Approach Procedure: Standard missed approach procedures are published and are less complex than at more challenging airports, thanks to the flat surrounding terrain.
3. Weather Considerations
- Prevailing Winds: Winds generally come from the east or northeast but can shift depending on local weather patterns.
- Climate: The region is tropical, with high humidity and frequent rain, especially during the rainy season (May to October).
- Visibility: Weather patterns generally support good visibility, though the airport can experience low clouds and rain during the rainy season.
- Wind Shear and Turbulence: These are not typically a concern at MHPR due to the flat terrain around the airport.
4. Terrain and Obstacles
- Flat Terrain: The airport is situated in a relatively flat area, with no significant obstacles or terrain near the airfield.
- Minimal Terrain Hazards: Unlike Toncontín, there are no major mountains or hills to be concerned with during approach or departure.
5. Communications
- Tower Frequency: 118.3 MHz
- Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz
- Approach Frequency: 119.3 MHz
- ATIS: Provides real-time weather and operational information (typically on 127.4 MHz).
- Emergency Services: Available 24/7 with well-equipped firefighting and medical services.
6. Airport Operations
- Operational Hours: 24 hours, though specific services (customs, fueling) may have limited hours.
- Fuel Availability: Jet A1 and Avgas are available.
- Customs: Customs and immigration services are available at MHPR, which is an international gateway.
- Alternate Airports: If MHPR is not operational, MHTG (Toncontín International) and MNMG (Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, Nicaragua) are commonly used as alternates.
7. Performance Considerations
- Aircraft Performance: Since the airport is located at a low elevation (91 feet above sea level), aircraft performance is not significantly affected by altitude. Standard takeoff and landing calculations should suffice.
- Runway Length: The long runway (9,012 feet) supports operations for most large commercial aircraft, and there is ample room for takeoff and landing in almost all weather conditions.
8. NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)
- Check NOTAMs for updates on runway conditions, airport services, changes in procedures, and any temporary restrictions or closures.
9. Safety Considerations
- Routine Operations: As MHPR is a relatively flat and straightforward airport with a long runway and no significant terrain challenges, it is generally safer and easier for aircraft operations compared to airports like MHTG.
- Pilot Experience: While MHPR is easier to operate in and out of than Toncontín, pilots should still be familiar with standard approach and departure procedures.
This flight brief clearly outlines what to expect when operating in and out of Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (MHPR) in San Pedro Sula, emphasizing its more straightforward operational environment.