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KMFR LOC/DME BC-B

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Key Takeaways:

  • The article dissects the unusual LOC/DME BC-B approach at Medford (KMFR), highlighting its non-precision back course nature, steep 5.98-degree descent angle (633 ft/NM), and high Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) of 2205 feet AGL, making a safe straight-in landing from the MDA exceptionally challenging.
  • It details the specific considerations for flying a back course approach, such as correctly setting the HSI to the front course and using the autopilot's BC mode, while also noting the "dive-and-drive" technique required due to the steep descent from the FAF.
  • The author strongly recommends the ILS or LOC Runway 14 circle-to-land Runway 32 as a safer alternative, citing its significantly lower Minimum Descent Height (745 ft AGL) and the benefits of using a glideslope to the circling MDA.
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In this reintroduction of a past series of articles, we’ll fully dissect a particular chart or procedure. While many of the points we’ll make should be uncovered in a normal briefing, our analysis will extend far beyond. Our hope is that by exploring the edge cases of available procedures, you’ll better understand how to handle something that’s not quite in the mainstream of procedures you regularly fly.

The first chart in this periodic series is the rather odd LOC/DME BC-B approach at Medford, Oregon, KMFR. Let’s walk through it point by point. (To follow, match the highlighting colors on the chart (next page) to the text.)

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