2026-01 · NASA ASRS report 2321930
Air carrier Captain reported it is easy to confuse the recently completed parallel taxiway at PSP with the main Runway 31L/13R.
The recently completed black; and very wide parallel taxiway closest to the terminal is easily confused with the main Runway 31L/13R. Especially if the NOTAMs say PAPIs are out on the main runway and PAPIs are actually working. Compound this with LA Center saying that the SBONO RNAV Arrival is no longer in use; that connects to the RNAV Visual 31L; that if you want to fly may be a late intermediate fix that you need to fly to; to fly a 3.1 glidepath rather than the RNAV GPS with a 3.5 glidepath. The RNAV Visual 31L has a fairly late turn to 31L that can easily be overshot and roll out on the parallel taxiway. Complicating the visual approach; 31R blends quite well; basically camouflaged with the rest of the airfield as you're fighting +/- 15-kt. winds over the mountains.On taxi-in we inquired about 31L PAPIs actually working (which are between 31L and very short 31R); the Ground Controller mentioned that they've been trying to get things straightened out with their PAPIs/ NOTAMs; and the controller mentioned that a report would help them.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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