The only IFR approach to Auburn, Washington (S50), is hardly a procedure anyone would consider straightforward, despite the airport’s 63-foot field elevation. Also known as Dick Scobee Field, named for the late Challenger shuttle commander, Auburn sits just a few miles southeast of the busy Sea-Tac Class B, while farther southeast the terrain rises to well over 14,000 feet approaching Mount Rainier. Be prepared for considerable GA traffic at Auburn, a known Sea-Tac reliever.
Chart Wise: Auburn, Washington
Key Takeaways:
- Auburn (S50), also known as Dick Scobee Field, has a complex and non-straightforward IFR approach despite its low field elevation.
- Its location near the busy Sea-Tac Class B airspace and high terrain (Mount Rainier) to the southeast contribute to the approach's difficulty.
- Pilots should expect considerable general aviation traffic, as Auburn serves as a known reliever airport for Sea-Tac.
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