Narrative:

Bzn ATIS can be received late due to terrain; no digital ATIS; and early descent to land runway 30. When we initially tried to get ATIS; it was actually johnson city; wy. When we did actually get it; it was a little late and required re-briefing to change the plans.in addition; the company pages need more information.1 - runway 12 is preferred; even up to a 10 knot tailwind (per airnav.com); although that information is not specific or clear on the chart; which simply says runway 12 is preferred. The additional information of up to a 10 knot tailwind would be helpful to ensure we are planning; for the most likely scenario. In our case; the wind was 6 knots from the northwest; so we were not sure which runway to plan without ATIS. Knowing they operate with up to a 10 knot tailwind on runway 12 would have helped. 2 - company pages note a safety alert that states; 'terrain east of the airport does not allow for a normal descent to a straight-in-landing to runway 30.' note it does not state what 'normal' is; prohibit a landing west; or prohibit 'trying' with early configuration and being prepared to go around or joining a left downwind visual to 30. To me the company page sounds a little like a prohibition; or at least; that it is not recommended. But it needs to be clearer. If it is prohibited; it should say that. If it isn't; provide additional information. Maybe it should state something like:'terrain to the east of the airport does not allow for a normal descent to a straight-in landing on runway 30. If attempted; configure and slow early to maintain the VNAV path; and if unable; prepare for a go-around and fly the RNAV 30 via the fidep transition or if in day visual conditions with terrain in sight; enter a left visual downwind and visual approach to runway 30.'

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier First Officer reported more arrival information is needed for BZN Airport.

Narrative: BZN ATIS can be received late due to terrain; no Digital ATIS; and early descent to land RWY 30. When we initially tried to get ATIS; it was actually Johnson City; WY. When we did actually get it; it was a little late and required re-briefing to change the plans.In addition; the company pages need more information.1 - Runway 12 is preferred; even up to a 10 knot tailwind (per AirNAV.com); although that information is not specific or clear on the chart; which simply says Runway 12 is preferred. The additional information of up to a 10 knot tailwind would be helpful to ensure we are planning; for the most likely scenario. In our case; the wind was 6 knots from the NW; so we were not sure which runway to plan without ATIS. Knowing they operate with up to a 10 knot tailwind on Runway 12 would have helped. 2 - Company pages note a safety alert that states; 'terrain east of the airport does not allow for a normal descent to a straight-in-landing to Runway 30.' Note it does not state what 'normal' is; prohibit a landing west; or prohibit 'trying' with early configuration and being prepared to go around or joining a left downwind visual to 30. To me the Company page sounds a little like a prohibition; or at least; that it is not recommended. But it needs to be clearer. If it is prohibited; it should say that. If it isn't; provide additional information. Maybe it should state something like:'Terrain to the East of the airport does not allow for a normal descent to a straight-in landing on Runway 30. If attempted; configure and slow early to maintain the VNAV path; and if unable; prepare for a go-around and fly the RNAV 30 via the FIDEP transition or if in day visual conditions with terrain in sight; enter a left visual downwind and visual approach to Runway 30.'

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.