Narrative:

Executed a RNAV GPS Y 28L. Approach minimums 863 ft mdh; category C visibility 2 1/2 miles. Final approach course offset 17 degrees. From hugon inbound VMC night conditions. From approximately 5 miles PAPI (3.5 degrees) was observed and appeared operative. At approximately 600 ft while tracking a straight in final; the PAPI appeared to be dimming at a rapid rate. At the lowest point the illumination appeared 20% of normal illumination as observed before 600 ft. Using the glidepath on the pfd a normal landing occurred. Additionally the remaining illumination indicated 4 white lights versus the typical on glidepath of 2 red 2 white. After landing I inquired of the tower the status of the PAPI. The controller indicated PAPI is notamed out of service below 500 AGL. After parking at the gate I contacted the controller if that NOTAM was published as it was not included on any weather and notams I had received. The controller indicated it was only noted in the airport facility directory. Reviewing jepp approach chart; taxi chart and [company] ipad I could not readily find any notice of this condition.at night and IMC only perform rnap rnp Z 28L. This approach descends the aircraft to 257 ft DH with straight in lateral and vertical guidance. Well inside the out of service portion of the PAPI. Beginning the rnp 28L begins at salinas a better option might be an approach to 10R under most conditions.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier Captain reported when tracking straight in on final to MRY Runway 28L; the PAPI appeared to be dimming at a rapid rate.

Narrative: Executed a RNAV GPS Y 28L. Approach minimums 863 ft MDH; Category C visibility 2 1/2 miles. Final approach course offset 17 degrees. From HUGON inbound VMC night conditions. From approximately 5 miles PAPI (3.5 degrees) was observed and appeared operative. At approximately 600 ft while tracking a straight in final; the PAPI appeared to be dimming at a rapid rate. At the lowest point the illumination appeared 20% of normal illumination as observed before 600 ft. Using the glidepath on the PFD a normal landing occurred. Additionally the remaining illumination indicated 4 white lights versus the typical on glidepath of 2 red 2 white. After landing I inquired of the tower the status of the PAPI. The controller indicated PAPI is NOTAMed out of service below 500 AGL. After parking at the gate I contacted the controller if that NOTAM was published as it was not included on any weather and NOTAMs I had received. The controller indicated it was only noted in the Airport Facility Directory. Reviewing Jepp approach chart; taxi chart and [company] iPad I could not readily find any notice of this condition.At night and IMC only perform RNAP RNP Z 28L. This approach descends the aircraft to 257 ft DH with straight in lateral and vertical guidance. Well inside the out of service portion of the PAPI. Beginning the RNP 28L begins at Salinas a better option might be an approach to 10R under most conditions.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.