Chart Wise: Charlottesville RNAV (GPS)-Y Rwy 21

There’s a lot to know when flying into KCHO.

Jason Blair

Monday, June 24, 2024 at 09:06 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

[FLYING file photo]

Key Takeaways:

The approach to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (KCHO) offers multiple Initial Approach Fixes (IAFs), allowing pilots to transition from various directions with most not requiring a procedure turn.
Pilots must navigate a series of stepdown descents through waypoints and execute specific turns along an offset final approach course, while remaining aware of higher terrain to the west.
This approach provides only LP or LNAV minimums, meaning no WAAS-based glideslope is available and pilots should expect to use Minimum Descent Altitudes (MDAs).
In the event of a missed approach, the procedure transitions to a VOR hold (GVE VOR), which can be flown using GPS.

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With the nearby Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (KCHO) in Virginia is a great airport entry point for a pilot to access nearby Shenandoah National Park for short hikes or longer stretches of the Appalachian Trail. Or maybe drop in for some great dining, local wine, or shopping. For any visit, this is a commonly used approach.

Here’s a step-by-step look at the approach to Charlottesville-Albermarle Airport (KCHO) in Virginia. [Image: Jeppesen]

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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