BIL TRACON notified an air carrier crew flying the Runway 28R VOR approach that a NOTAM changed the minimum altitude on the ARC from NELWN to 6;200 FT. The crew questioned why the commercial chart had not been modified.
Synopsis
BIL TRACON notified an air carrier crew flying the Runway 28R VOR approach that a NOTAM changed the minimum altitude on the ARC from NELWN to 6;200 FT. The crew questioned why the commercial chart had not been modified.
Narrative
Enroute we reviewed the BIL NOTAMs because of construction on the field and volume of NOTAMs for a small field. With BIL ILS Runway 28R approach N/A; we decided to fly the VOR Runway 28R. Since it was VMC; this approach was to be for proficiency. While on the 16 DME arc southeast of the BIL VOR; we descended to the 5;700 FT. altitude per the approach plate. At some point; ATC mentioned that about a year ago; the altitude was changed to 6;200 FT. We confirmed the plate number; date; and altitude we had in the cockpit. Once parked at the gate we again reviewed the NOTAMs. We discovered we had overlooked NOTAM 13/2; FDC 02829/10 with the altitude change. We both had reviewed the papers earlier and done so independently; yet both of us missed this change. Although the approach was conducted for practice and in VMC; we should have maintained the 6;200 FT. altitude. Though incumbent on us to catch the change; we both wondered why a NOTAM would be nearly one year old and not incorporated into a revised approach plate. That does not relieve us of catching the altitude change; but it does beg the question how long does a NOTAM remain before action/revisions are published?
Second reporter narrative
The GPS was discussed briefly but was ruled out due to no GPS on the aircraft. After analyzing all of the factors and both of us looking at the NOTAMs concerning the ILS /GPS issues; the Captain decided to fly the entire procedure including the arc; for the VOR DME 28R. Direct to NELWN (IAF) was given to us by Salt Lake Center; followed by the Billings Approach facility. All of the approach equipment requirements were briefed. Half way through the ARC; approach advised us the procedure had been changed a year ago changing the altitude that was listed on the plate from 5;700 FT to 6;200 FT (increase of 500 FT). The plate and the FMGC both showed 5;700 FT for the minimum altitude. We missed the NOTAM (Bil 13/2; FDC 02829/10) that changed the minimum altitude to 6;200 FT on the arc. I believe we concentrated; so much on the runway length reduction; the ILS 28R N/A NOTAM; and the GPS limitation; that we overlooked the change in altitude on the NOTAMs for the VOR/DME 28R approach.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.