Chart Wise: Sunriver, Oregon (S21) RNAV (GPS) Rwy 18

Here is how to manage the terrain and execute an approach to this winter wonderland.

Jason Blair

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A privately owned, public-use airport is just a quick shuttle ride from the Sunriver Resort near Bend, Oregon, and provides a way for many out-of-state visitors and part-time homeowners to get to the year-round destination. [Credit: Sunriver Airport]

Key Takeaways:

The RNAV GPS approach to Sunriver's Runway 18 offers an efficient "NoPT" entry via the DSD VOR, though specific airway arrivals may necessitate starting at the TUPSE waypoint.
Pilots must precisely manage altitude descents due to significantly high terrain surrounding the approach path, emphasizing the need to stay strictly on course.
The missed approach procedure is unique, as it doesn't specify a fixed course; instead, pilots climb and turn right directly to the SSTRS waypoint, with the exact track depending on climb performance.
A Visual Descent Point (VDP) at 1.5 nm from Runway 18 aids in commencing a stabilized visual descent, with pilots advised to go missed if runway references are not visible by this point.

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Not far south of Bend, Oregon, a pilot just might find themselves flying into the airport at Sunriver, Oregon, to access nearby biking, hiking, stargazing at a nearby observatory, or snow riding at nearby Mount Bachelor in the winter. With only one approach to choose from, the RNAV GPS-based approach to Runway 18 is the way to get in when the weather is less than VFR.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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