Narrative:

We were given a visual approach to [runway] 08L; instructed to proceed to a three mile final; and maintain 2;500 ft until crossing the shoreline. This was due to single engine traffic approaching [runway] 04R that we could not see. We configured early and began the approach. It appeared that were still too high and would not be able to complete the approach without exceeding company approach parameters. At about 1;000 ft we abandoned the approach and went around. After we were established on final it was apparent that we were too high to continue without making it uncomfortable for our passengers and/or exceeding established descent rates. I understand the controller's dilemma. Initially; we were cleared visual to the channel and he really wanted us to see the traffic; but it was hazy and the airplane was small. In addition; the plane was on the right side of our aircraft; eliminating one set of eyes. Because we couldn't call the traffic; he sent us to a three mile final. But; even with slowing to approach speed and being fully configured we still couldn't lose enough altitude in our 90 degree turn to final to make a normal approach. We were at about 1;000 ft when we initiated a go-around. I have noticed that over the past few months we are being held up higher while being vectored for the channel approach. Sometimes it is for an aircraft on an ILS approach to 04R; sometimes for traffic as in this case. In either case; we are being funneled to 08L at an increasingly higher altitude making it increasingly more difficult to do these channel approaches. As for myself; I would prefer to be vectored for a stabilized approach.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air Carrier voiced concern regarding ATC procedures inbound to PHNL; noting aircraft appear to be held higher for longer making stabilized approaches very difficult.

Narrative: We were given a Visual approach to [Runway] 08L; instructed to proceed to a three mile final; and maintain 2;500 FT until crossing the shoreline. This was due to single engine traffic approaching [Runway] 04R that we could not see. We configured early and began the approach. It appeared that were still too high and would not be able to complete the approach without exceeding company approach parameters. At about 1;000 FT we abandoned the approach and went around. After we were established on final it was apparent that we were too high to continue without making it uncomfortable for our passengers and/or exceeding established descent rates. I understand the Controller's dilemma. Initially; we were cleared visual to the channel and he really wanted us to see the traffic; but it was hazy and the airplane was small. In addition; the plane was on the right side of our aircraft; eliminating one set of eyes. Because we couldn't call the traffic; he sent us to a three mile final. But; even with slowing to approach speed and being fully configured we still couldn't lose enough altitude in our 90 degree turn to final to make a normal approach. We were at about 1;000 FT when we initiated a go-around. I have noticed that over the past few months we are being held up higher while being vectored for the Channel Approach. Sometimes it is for an aircraft on an ILS approach to 04R; sometimes for traffic as in this case. In either case; we are being funneled to 08L at an increasingly higher altitude making it increasingly more difficult to do these Channel Approaches. As for myself; I would prefer to be vectored for a stabilized approach.

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.