When pilots head to Las Vegas, most think of the nightlife or maybe gambling. With nearly year-round sunshine and often scorching temperatures, the last thing on their minds is probably the weather, despite Las Vegas’ regular monsoon season that runs from mid-June through September. That’s the time of the year when Las Vegas receives most of its annual 4.5 inches of rain—and it’s also when a pilot’s IFR skills could be put to the test. That’s how we arrived at this month’s chart, the ILS Runway 12L at North Las Vegas Airport. Because of KVGT’s proximity to town—just 5 miles north of McCarran International—pilots might also find themselves flying this approach simply for sequencing.
North Las Vegas ILS or LOC Runway 12L
Key Takeaways:
- The ILS Runway 12L at North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT) is a complex approach, often requiring pilots to circle to other runways due to prevailing winds, terrain, and proximity to McCarran International.
- Pilots must be DME or IFR GPS-equipped and rely on ATC radar services, as the procedure cannot be flown in a non-radar environment.
- This approach features a steeper-than-normal 3.2-degree glideslope, points to the airport's shorter runway, and requires meticulous attention to higher circling minimums and detailed missed approach text.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
