Read Beside The Lines

Harvey Field in western Washington State (S43) is one of those almost mythical GA wonderlands. Cloth-clad antiques trundle down a runway that requires mowing while skydivers pack a careworn Caravan for just one more jump. Views of both can be enjoyed from the windows of on-field caf. At least, thats the way it used to be. Its been a while since Ive had the pleasure. Since Ive frequented the field, Harvey has also stepped into the digital age with its own GPS approach. But like the fuel gauges on my buddy Daves Harvey-based Globe Swift, its an imprecise thing. In fact, its a downright odd-looking approach for something starting with the letters RNAV-which should be a clue to anyone flying it that theres probably more going on here than meets the eye. Perhaps literally.

Key Takeaways:

• Harvey Field's RNAV (GPS)-A approach features an unusual "dogleg" turn at the Final Approach Fix (FAF), primarily designed to safely navigate around an 880-foot tower by placing it within a less restrictive secondary obstacle clearance area.
• The approach offers only circling minimums, not straight-in, due to non-standard and incomplete runway markings on the narrow 36-foot-wide paved runway, rather than issues with alignment or descent gradient.
• The missed approach segment also incorporates a turn, largely influenced by an ATC request to utilize a specific, pre-existing holding fix in busy airspace near Seattle.

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