Narrative:

We as a crew reviewed the [approach] pages for the missoula airport and decided to build both visual approaches to runway 30 and12 in the primary and secondary FMGC flight plans.upon receiving the ATIS; we determined runway 12 was in use and decided we would most likely get the ILS approach; due to a 9000 foot overcast layer. Upon contacting spokane approach; we were given vectors for runway 12; followed by a descent clearance; which put us in IMC conditions. Spokane approach asked if we were able to accept a visual clearance to runway 12. We stated that we would advise once we had the airport in sight.upon breaking through the overcast layer; I was able to see the airport and acknowledged with ATC it was in sight; followed by being cleared for the visual approach to runway 12. Due to the fact we were on radar vectors; we elected to execute a visual approach from the north side of the airport. Terrain vigilance was maintained; while flying a stabilized approach and landing.the reason for this report is based on further review of the mso [approach] pages during our extended debrief. We discovered that there was a 'must' statement in the terrain considerations paragraph; stating that all visual maneuvering must be accomplished south or southwest of runway 12/30; unless receiving radar vectors from approach/ departure. Every time we fly into these mountain airports it is a different dynamic.we as a crew would like to make several enhanced recommendations:1. Coordinate with spokane approach [on the company's] visual maneuver restrictions south and southwest of the airport.2. Put a pictorial on the approach-page showing no visual maneuvering is allowed northwest of the airport. 3. Relocate the terminology regarding visual maneuvering to [the same page as a] visual arrival. 4. For better clarification; separately state; due to terrain all visual maneuvering of the aircraft must be accomplished south or southwest of the runway 12/30. Only radar vectors north of the airport may be accomplished to an instrument approach.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Captain reported that vital information regarding the visual approach to MSO is inconspicuous in the company issued charts.

Narrative: We as a crew reviewed the [approach] pages for the Missoula airport and decided to build both visual approaches to runway 30 and12 in the primary and secondary FMGC Flight Plans.Upon receiving the ATIS; we determined runway 12 was in use and decided we would most likely get the ILS approach; due to a 9000 foot overcast layer. Upon contacting Spokane Approach; we were given vectors for runway 12; followed by a descent clearance; which put us in IMC conditions. Spokane Approach asked if we were able to accept a visual clearance to runway 12. We stated that we would advise once we had the airport in sight.Upon breaking through the overcast layer; I was able to see the airport and acknowledged with ATC it was in sight; followed by being cleared for the visual approach to Runway 12. Due to the fact we were on radar vectors; we elected to execute a visual approach from the north side of the airport. Terrain vigilance was maintained; while flying a stabilized approach and landing.The reason for this report is based on further review of the MSO [approach] pages during our extended debrief. We discovered that there was a 'must' statement in the Terrain Considerations paragraph; stating that all visual maneuvering must be accomplished south or southwest of Runway 12/30; unless receiving radar vectors from Approach/ Departure. Every time we fly into these mountain airports it is a different dynamic.We as a crew would like to make several enhanced recommendations:1. Coordinate with Spokane Approach [on the company's] visual maneuver restrictions South and Southwest of the airport.2. Put a pictorial on the approach-page showing no visual maneuvering is allowed northwest of the airport. 3. Relocate the terminology regarding visual maneuvering to [the same page as a] Visual Arrival. 4. For better clarification; separately state; due to terrain all visual maneuvering of the aircraft must be accomplished south or southwest of the Runway 12/30. Only radar vectors north of the airport may be accomplished to an instrument approach.

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.