Were special briefs given to the passengers by the cabin crew before commencing the approach for runway 13 at Kai Tak?I can imagine more than a few would start to panic as the aircraft turned in such a manner if they had not been told.

Phil, having done that approach a number of times, I can tell you that no prior announcements were made. That was on BA, United, Singapore Air and Cathay Pacific. I will never forget the BA flight. It originated in Seoul, Korea and was heading for London via Kai Tak. I boarded in Seoul. VERY much IMC that night upon arrival with thunder, lightening and generally very bad mojo. The turn was the least of my worries. :)

I don't remember one - though I only made three or four landings there in commercial jets.Of course, with all the multiple languages they use on those flights - they'd have to start giving the briefing 200 nm out.

On one rather bumpy approach years ago, the stu made a recommendation that all PAX with heart conditions pull down the window shades. The aircraft was a DC10-30, and the center line gear snapped off just after touchdown. This was a very common problem early in the -30 program.Bob I... in sunny Florida

I flew into Kai Tak several times and never heard an anouncement. I guess passengers were tougher in thse days!