You got that right.

6000x100 can look an awfully lot like a 12000x200 at night.

Thank goodness it wasn't 3000x50. They'd be lucky to stop.:rolleyes:

For many years I flew out of a 2000' field. I never once confused it for a 12,000' military field!*? :confused::confused:

I would occasionally be "Cleared to Land on the taxiway ... taxi to the FBO" at my local International Airport.

Depending on how far away you are - they can look similar.

MALSRs never look like ALSF-1s though.
Since the approach lights for Rwy 18 are PCL at KAAO - I guess it is lucky they were already on since I'm sure the errant crew hadn't clicked them up using CTAF.

OK ...

Let's for discussion sake ... say that from some perspective that a 6000' runway "might" look similar to a 12,000' runway (I'm not exactly sure I'm buying this argument?) ...

at some point, maybe in the flare(?), would you think something was wrong when your 211' wingspan (with both outboard engines over the grass) doesn't look quite right on that 100' wide runway? :eek:

I don't have easy access to a 747 Operating Manual ... how wide are the outboard landing gear?

I disagree.

Those who properly brief from top of descent to parking wont land at the wrong airport.

Those who tune and identify the approach aids will not land at the wrong airport.

Those who monitor proper LOC/GS indication even on a visual approach don't land at the wrong airport.

Those who review the perils of airports with similar runway alignments will not land at the wrong airport.

Those who review the 10-9 or equivalent of the US Government charts wont land at the wrong airport.

After 38 years in the industry as a check airman and examiner, I can't stress enough to my colleagues of the perils of relying on automation and complacent behavior.

That said to date, it hasn't happened nor will it happen to anyone if disciplines are followed.

I will agree, however, experiencing a non-normal situation, engine failure, system failure can happen to anyone, but landing at the wrong airport? It does not just happen to anyone.

That said spare the Stockholm Syndrome

Well said. Some of the posters here may well have that mindset. The crew in question probably did as well. They don't anymore ... :eek: In any case what they're going through now I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Well ... almost anyone:D .

You need better glasses...;)

38 years of perfection. I wanna be like you when I grow up. Never make a mistake, never be fatigued. Let me pat you on the back for a job well done.:cool:

MG2