Chart Wise: Angel Fire, New Mexico (KAXX) RNAV (GPS) Rwy 17

Lone instrument approach presents challenging terrain and unique procedures.

Jason Blair

Friday, January 09, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Runway at Angel Fire Airport [Credit: Spencer Hamons]

Key Takeaways:

The RNAV GPS to Runway 17 approach at Angel Fire (KAXX) features high-altitude initial fixes from mountainous terrain, a critical heading change at the Final Approach Fix (FAF), and a relatively high LNAV MDA of 9,960 feet MSL without WAAS.
The missed approach is complex, requiring a climb to 14,000 feet MSL, multiple turns, and a GPS-based hold, emphasizing the need for pilots to verify their aircraft's climb performance.
A crucial operational requirement is the availability of a local altimeter setting; if not received, the approach procedure is not authorized ("NA").

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If you are headed up into the New Mexico mountains near Angel Fire for some winter skiing or summer mountain biking or hiking, you might just find yourself flying the one and only approach the airport (KAXX) has—the RNAV GPS to Runway 17.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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