Narrative:

Weather was 400/1.5 and ILS's were out on 10L and 28R. Winds were 030/15-17. Planning 10L and at last minute approach changed us to 28R. The notams were reviewed by both pilots. After the runway change the most important one did not register which will be explained. We set up for a localizer managed/selected approach and briefed. Ceiling was up and down; but visibility stayed at 1.5 to 2 miles. Performed straight in minimums approach; but did not see runway at map altitude. Did a missed approach to holding at bil. Discussed options and bzn was alternate. We waited some 10 minutes and approach asked what we needed and we said 600/1 for 28R. Then they changed to 10L again. Winds still the same. We had about another 20 minutes hold fuel. Then I happened to see RNAV 28R with a little lower minimum. I asked approach if we could set up for that and they agreed and said weather was 600/3. We did the GPS 28R and saw runway environment at 400 AGL; which is above straight in minimums; at which time tower gave us a check altitude alert. I said we have the runway and we are landing. We landed uneventfully and upon taxi tower said to call them. I did and they reminded me of the important NOTAM that was in effect that straight in minimums were not available for 28R. I told them I thought we had the minimums and that we had the runway in sight. They said ok with no further comment. All the while I was sending ACARS messages to dispatch of our intentions for what runway; approaches etc. Nothing was said about the restriction. Neither the copilot nor I caught this oversight. The approach was flown as published. We had a few changes of approaches and planning for another miss and divert. It is my opinion there should be some way to further highlight these items. There was a breakdown due to runway changes; ATC; dispatch and trying to do the best job possible.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air Carrier flight crew reports overlooking a NOTAM concerning the RNAV Runway 28R at BIL and descending below the minimums authorized by that NOTAM to land.

Narrative: Weather was 400/1.5 and ILS's were out on 10L and 28R. Winds were 030/15-17. Planning 10L and at last minute approach changed us to 28R. The NOTAMs were reviewed by both pilots. After the runway change the most important one did not register which will be explained. We set up for a LOC managed/selected approach and briefed. Ceiling was up and down; but visibility stayed at 1.5 to 2 miles. Performed straight in minimums approach; but did not see runway at MAP altitude. Did a missed approach to holding at BIL. Discussed options and BZN was alternate. We waited some 10 minutes and Approach asked what we needed and we said 600/1 for 28R. Then they changed to 10L again. Winds still the same. We had about another 20 minutes hold fuel. Then I happened to see RNAV 28R with a little lower minimum. I asked Approach if we could set up for that and they agreed and said weather was 600/3. We did the GPS 28R and saw runway environment at 400 AGL; which is above straight in minimums; at which time Tower gave us a check altitude alert. I said we have the runway and we are landing. We landed uneventfully and upon taxi Tower said to call them. I did and they reminded me of the important NOTAM that was in effect that straight in minimums were not available for 28R. I told them I thought we had the minimums and that we had the runway in sight. They said OK with no further comment. All the while I was sending ACARS messages to Dispatch of our intentions for what runway; approaches etc. Nothing was said about the restriction. Neither the copilot nor I caught this oversight. The approach was flown as published. We had a few changes of approaches and planning for another miss and divert. It is my opinion there should be some way to further highlight these items. There was a breakdown due to runway changes; ATC; Dispatch and trying to do the best job possible.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.