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Close Look at Joint Use

The GE H80-powered L410
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The ILS RWY 23 approach at Westover ARB (KCEF) is unique for civilian pilots due to its extensive reliance on military TACAN for key navigation points like MSA, arcs, and holding patterns.
  • General aviation aircraft lacking TACAN or DME can fly the approach by loading it into a GPS navigator, though the missed approach explicitly requires RNAV (GPS) capability or ATC radar monitoring.
  • As a joint military/civilian airfield, KCEF has specific operational considerations for civilian pilots, including adherence to USAF regulations, limitations on civilian training, and a unique restriction against clockwise circling to RWY 33 due to obstacles.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Upon first glance, the ILS or LOC RWY 23 approach [A] at Westover Air Reserve Base/Metropolitan (KCEF) appears to be a typical ILS approach. But looking closely we notice that the MSA (minimum safe altitude) is based on the Westover (CEF) TACAN [B]. The center of the MSA circle is the symbol for a TACAN, . Even though TACAN equipment is available for civilian airplanes, they are typically not so equipped, although if you have civilian DME it utilizes the distance portion of TACAN. The natural question is: Can general aviation airplanes without onboard TACAN (or DME) fly this approach? If yes, how? Furthermore, can the approach be flown without loading it in a GPS navigator?

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