LTFJ - SAW - Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen

Climate & Weather
Istanbul is characterized as having a humid subtropical climate.

Approach

 * Istanbul radar is usually unable to give directs on the RNAV transition, expect a direct after switching to approach - plan descent accordingly.
 * Altitude restrictions are all mandatory. Do not descend through these without explicit clearance ('open descent' - note that his only removes the altitude constraint), confirm with ATC - usually they omit it.
 * Traffic to LTBA may keep you very high on approach, ATC might still expect you to be able to make a direct descent towards the FAP and capture the ILS.
 * If traffic is low and you ask nicely there is usually a chance to obtain vectors for left downwind if arriving from the west and runway 06 is in use.
 * Make sure to take the 3.5 degree G/P into account when it comes to your descent and deceleration planning. Passing the FAP with around 180kts IAS has proven to lead to a stabilised approach in still air condition. (B738)
 * In conjunction with an inversion layer at about 3000ft MSL wind changes of more than 30kts can occur. This might lead to turbulence in the climb out and a high tail wind component at the FAP down to 500ft AGL.
 * Expect to be slightly left of the runway centerline on the LOC 06 below 1000ft AGL together with a rough G/P signal.

Taxi

 * Vacate onto F,G or H but hold short of D, call Ground if Tower does not give you an immediate taxi instruction.
 * Taxiways and especially the apron and runway (due to rubber deposit at touch down zones) can be very slippery in wet and icy conditions, apron taxi lines are very hard to see at night.
 * Jetway stands (201A-208B) are equipped with a docking system, expect marshaller guidance for the others.

Departure

 * SIDs are all PRNAV, if unable expect radar vectors (departure straight ahead)
 * Altitude restrictions are mandatory unless explicitly canceled by ATC ('open climb'), ask in any case if the controller says nothing (same as arrivals).
 * NADP1 (thrust reduction @800ft AGL, acceleration height 3000ft AGL)
 * Regardless of LVTO certification the minimum required RVR for takeoff is 400m.

Facilities

 * Snow and ice removal tends to be slow and lacking - in snowy conditions expect slushy apron and taxiways, de-icing capabilities are limited to Type II.

Alternates

 * LTBA - IST - Istanbul Atatürk
 * LTBU - TEQ - Tekirdag Corlu
 * LTAC - ESB - Ankara Esenboga
 * LTBJ - ADB - Izmir Adnan Menderes