Chart Wise: Escanaba (KESC) LOC BC Rwy 28

Approach opens a gateway to explore the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Jason Blair

Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 12:52 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

[FLYING file photo]

Key Takeaways:

The article details flying the LOC Back Course (BC) approach to Runway 28 at Delta County Airport (KESC), emphasizing it as a nonprecision approach where glideslope indications must be disregarded.
Pilots must understand "reverse sensing" for BC approaches (or how their avionics compensate) and carefully select the correct LOC frequency when inbound, differentiating it from the VOR.
Key navigational elements covered include an alternative DME ARC entry, the distinction between the Visual Descent Point (VDP) and Missed Approach Point (MAP), and the specific missed approach procedure.
A significant caution for KESC is the magnetic disturbance (up to 14 degrees) at ground level, advising pilots to set their directional gyro using runway alignment rather than the magnetic compass.

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A gateway airport to the middle of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Delta County Airport (KESC) in Escanaba offers a pilot a reliable facility with good approaches close to numerous nearby outdoor activities. With prevailing winds from the west, a pilot in IMC may fly the LOC BC to Runway 28.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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