ILS Z or LOC Z Rwy 19 Jackson, Wyoming

An approach to a mountain town replete with high-altitude hazards.

Jason Blair

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 02:09 PM ET

Verified

Reproduced with permission of Jeppesen. Not for navigational use.

Key Takeaways:

The approach to Jackson (KJAC) is complex due to high surrounding terrain, requiring strict adherence to altitude restrictions and precise turns from initial fixes to the final approach.
Pilots must correctly use the localizer (IJAC) for DME and be prepared to switch navigation sources from LOC to VOR during a missed approach.
Missed approach procedures demand specific climb gradients in feet per nautical mile (FPNM), requiring pilots to check aircraft performance at local density altitudes.
Given the challenging terrain and high minimum safe altitudes (MSAs), pilots are advised to exercise extreme caution and consider increasing personal minimums when flying into this airport.

See a mistake? Contact us.

A destination in both the summer and winter, Jackson, Wyoming, is a city growing in its attraction and its aviation activity. With lots of high terrain around, an approach into this airport requires a pilot to closely follow altitude restrictions, especially if a missed approach becomes necessary.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

If you're not already a subscriber, what are you waiting for? Subscribe today to get the issue as soon as it is released in either Print or Digital formats.